The UAE Space Agency has signed a significant memorandum of cooperation with the Government of Japan, representing a major step forward in safe space exploration and strategic cooperation in the short and long terms.
The MoC was signed by H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, H.E. Dr. Tsutomu Tomioka, State Minister of Education, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), H.E. Yosuke Takagi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and H.E. Yasuyuki Sakai, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office of Japan, with the presence of H.E. Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, and representatives from the Cabinet Office of Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.
Recognizing the advantages and benefits of cooperating in the realm of space science and peaceful space exploration, the memorandum promotes the exchange of information and collaboration in research and development, human capital development and the development of space related industries.
The MoC also advocates for educational exchanges by agreeing to share space experiences, studies, and research, as well as encouraging space sector visits, conferences and lectures. These factors contribute to the peaceful exploration, research, and utilisation of space.
H.E. Dr Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The UAE and Japan have a long-standing relationship across many fields from business to education. Furthermore, Japan has been a consistent and considerable supporter of our space efforts since the UAE Space Agency’s founding.”
“Our agreement with the Government of Japan falls within the strategic visions of both the Space Agency and the UAE. This includes working towards closer international cooperation, establishing mutually beneficial international partnerships and exchanging scientific knowledge with the rest of the world,” added Al Rumaithi.
H.E. Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, added: “This MoC brings the UAE a step closer to its goal of launching the Hope Probe to Mars in 2020. We discussed with our Japanese counterparts the various ways we can ensure the challenging project is successful. We welcome the experience and insight our Japanese peers have to offer, especially given the participation of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the launch of the first Arab probe to Mars.”
H.E. Dr. Tsutomu Tomioka, State Minister of Education, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, said: “The signing of MoC between two governments is a significant step for the further development of space exploration and utilization of both countries. We hope that our bilateral cooperation in this field will be more deepened on this occasion. Especially MEXT, which is responsible for research and development, and education policies, would like to proactively promote technical cooperation through JAXA, and human resource development through exchanges between universities of both countries.”
H.E. Yosuke Takagi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry added “The cooperation between Japan and the UAE in energy and wide variety of industrial sectors is essential for the economic development of both countries, which I have been deeply involved. Through this MoC, we would like to accelerate the space exploration and utilization as well as the development of space industry of both countries. METI will initiate several initiatives from this year, including a seminar to promote the exchanges of the space industry of Japan and the UAE, dispatch of experts, and invitation of engineers and students in UAE to Japan.”
H.E. Yasuyuki Sakai, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office added “The UAE is an important strategic partner of Japan in the space sector. It is a great honor for us that we contribute to the space exploration and utilization of the UAE through the launch of its Mars Probe. We would like to make a steady progress in each cooperative activity between Japan and the UAE through a close collaboration with relevant ministries, institutions, and private entities in Japan.