The United Arab Emirates, represented by the UAE Space Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Korean Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MISP), defining a framework for collaboration and the exchange of information and expertise in the fields of space science, research, and technology.
The signing took place in a ceremony held at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi during the Global Space Congress, the largest international gathering of space industry leaders in the Middle East.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, H.E. Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, and a number of senior officials from the UAE space sector.
The Korean delegation included H.E. Dr Yanghee Choi, Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Republic of Korea, H.E. Park Kang-Ho, the Korean ambassador to the UAE, Dr Gwang-Rae Cho, President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korean space industries and other senior representatives from MSIP.
The MoU between the UAE Space Agency and the MSIP promotes cooperation in various aspects of space exploration, including space science, research, technology, remote sensing, and navigation. In addition to this, the MoU encourages collaboration on space policy, law, regulation, and personnel training for space activities.
H.E. Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency said: “The UAE and Korea have a long-standing relationship across many fields including business, education, science, culture, and heavy industry. Korea has been a significant supporter of our space efforts since the UAE Space Agency’s founding and we look forward to furthering our relationship through the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and experience in the space sector.”
H.E. Dr. Yanghee Choi, Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, said: “International cooperation is essential to the space development. In this regard, the conclusion of MoU will pave the way for both countries to further strengthen their already existing cooperative relationship in the space sector and take their strategic partnership to the next level.”
H.E. Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The establishment of mutually beneficial international partnerships and the exchange of scientific knowledge are key components of the UAE Space Agency’s strategic vision, and the signing of this MoU is a significant step in this regard. In our view, it is extremely important that all competent entities in the space sector work together towards the common goal of enhancing the welfare of humanity, and we welcome the experience and insight our Korean peers have to offer.”