HAVANA, Cuba, Feb 11 (acn) Chile's President Michelle Bachelet attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Cuban authorities to foster biotechnological collaboration between the two countries, during a visit Wednesday to the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center in Havana.

After learning first hand about the most recent biotechnological advances of Cuba oriented to the protection of human health, the Chilean president extolled the high level of health and human development of the island and noted the possibilities for bilateral cooperation in the field with her country.

'It is a great honor and a privilege for me to learn about the extraordinary experience of the western Havana Scientific Center,' said Bachelet. She added that it is well known that Cuba has a very low infant mortality rate (4.7) and high life expectancy (77), similar to that in Chile.

Bachelet highlighted the importance of the memorandum signed, saying it opens a possibility for future cooperation in technology transfer and to carry out joint studies to improve the health levels of both countries.

The Chilean president said the next step is to invite Cuban experts to work with Chilean colleagues in the identification of concrete areas of common interests so the two countries can start working together as soon as possible.

Accompanying Bachelet in her tour of the scientific center-made up by 53 research institutions- were Cuban Health Minister Jose Ramon Balaguer, Concepcion Campa, president of the Finlay Institute that produces vaccines, and other Cuban officials.

The Chilean president arrived in Cuba on Tuesday for an official visit at the invitation of Cuban leader Raul Castro.

From the Cuban News Agency