Washington, United States.-Cuba and the United States signed in this capital a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the exchange of information on seismic records and related geological information.

The document was signed by Fernando González, Ph.D., First Vice-minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba (Citma), and William Werkheiser, interim director of the United States Geological Survey.

According to a note released by the Cuban Foreign Ministry, this agreement will facilitate the exchange of data and information so that both countries can have greater precision in the location and geological conditions of the seismic events taking place in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

During the signing of this legal instrument, the Cuban representative highlighted that this collaboration will include the development of studies and joint seismological research.

In addition, it will allow us to broaden the scientific knowledge of the geodynamics of the region shared by our nations and contribute to a better calculation of the seismic risks and natural hazards that threaten both countries, declared Dr. González.

Furthermore, Bladimir Moreno,Ph.D., director of the Cuban National Center for Seismological Research, stressed how the integration of local seismological networks, with a real-time exchange of seismic records is essential to provide decision-makers and the general public with fast and reliable information.

Besides, yesterday was signed another memorandum of understanding on cooperation and exchange in the conservation of Wildlife and National Protected Terrestrial Areas.

The document recognizes the need to establish effective relations between the nations in order to carry out joint scientific research, to manage natural resources together and to cooperate in environmental education.