The University of Miami recently announced its first collaboration with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

The agreement, which was signed by President Donna E. Shalala of Miami and President Rivka Carmi of BGU on June 1, ensures the collaboration of the two universities in areas of joint research, academic cooperation and, in the future, student exchange programs.

The University of Miami is looking to expand its correspondence and work outside its geographical boundaries.

“It is vital that our two institutions join our minds. Research and education are the best tools for building bonds of friendship and mutual respect among peoples and nations,” Shalala said at the signing ceremony at BGU.

Under this new agreement the universities are creating cooperative programs in the various fields of fine arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, engineering and math, earth sciences and management sciences.

In addition to exchanging research information and setting up programs within the different fields, the new agreement will allow for the American university to have an Israeli counterpart.