Scientists in Northern Ireland and India are to work together seeking new ways of fighting cancer.
An international research partnership to develop new ways of understanding and treating cancer was established today between Queen's University Belfast and the Indian government's Ministry of Biotechnology.
It will involve top cancer specialists from the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen's and the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi.
The agreement was signed as Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey began a three day visit to India to promote international collaboration and research.
The minister opened an international three day conference on Cancer Biology attended by leading cancer researchers from around the world. Leading the Northern Ireland delegation was world renowned oncologist Professor Patrick Johnston from Queen's.
Speaking at the event he said: "Through this collaboration we will be able to develop new treatments and improve the diagnosis of cancer to the betterment of everyone."
With the beginning of this new partnership I am confident that we will take significant strides in combating one of the worlds' most prevalent diseases."
During his visit Sir Reg was also meeting a representative of the Indian Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Panel to discuss the role of universities in economic development, skills development and widening participation.
The minister will also be meeting with key Indian businessmen who have already invested in Northern Ireland and discussing their companies' future skills needs and how they can be met.