Cuban, U.S. scientists discuss cooperation

HAVANA, Dec.12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. and Cuban scientists met here Monday to seek ways to enhance cooperation in joint projects in health, environment and technology, said the Cuban Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Co-organized by the CAS and the American Association for the Advance of Sciences (AAAS), the five-day event is aimed at achieving "a scientific sustainable cooperation between the two countries without formal relations since 1961," said CAS.

The 17-strong U.S. group included 2003 Nobel laureate in chemistry and former AAAS President Peter Agre from John Hopkins University, neuroscience expert Mark Rasenick from Illinois University, as well as specialists in cellular, marine and agricultural biology, biochemistry and tropical diseases.

The Cuban delegation gathered 23 experts from several scientific institutions, headed by the CAS President Ismael Clark, adviser of the Council of State and son of Cuban former leader Fidel Castro, Fidel Castro Diaz-Balartm, as well as experts in genetics, biotechnology, meteorology, tropical diseases and oceanography.

The CAS stressed the importance of the high-level scientific exchanges between the two countries. "They could help share new knowledge, useful in emergencies."

Despite tough economic sanctions against Cuba, U.S. President Barack Obama eased in 2009 restrictions for American citizens to travel to the islands for scientific, sport and cultural purposes.