Australia and the United States will strengthen research ties by signing a new treaty-level agreement on cooperation in areas of science and innovation in Canberra Wednesday.

The Agreement relating to Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia was signed by the U.S. Charge d'affaires ad interim William A.Stanton and Australian Minister for Education, Science and Training Julie Bishop.

"Australia and the United States of America have enjoyed very strong collaborative research ties for many years and this Agreement cements our countries' commitment to continuing and furthering that relationship," Bishop said in a statement.

"The new Agreement acknowledges the benefits which flow from the highly successful science and technology relationship between Australia and the US and establishes a formal framework upon which to build this relationship," she said.

Agreed principles support Australian and U.S. researchers who wish to form collaborative partnerships and will assist scientists from both countries to exchange information and undertake joint research projects, according to the statement.

Source: Xinhua