LISBON, May 31 (Reuters) - The United States and the European Union on Wednesday agreed to establish a scientific panel to review issues at the heart of a dispute over trade in biotechnology products such as genetically modified food.
"We are hopeful that this independent forum will provide a venue for thoughtful discussions among experts and will contribute toward fostering better understanding of the many important issues involved," the two trading blocs said in a joint statement.
The statement was issued during a summit between U.S. President Bill Clinton and EU leaders. It said the panel would present its report to the next semi-annual U.S.-EU summit.
The European Union has been much more resistant than the United States to genetically engineered food products.
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