Negotiations have begun on a joint effort towards space cooperation, announced by the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia governments. This collaboration aims to enhance the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
The two nations made their intentions clear through an official announcement. In a U.S. Department of State (DOS) press release, the countries announced that they are willing to increase bilateral collaboration when it comes to exploring space, on the grounds that it consists of a peaceful initiative in line with the Jeddah Communique, a joint statement on the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership released in 2022.
Key officials from both sides have been instrumental in putting forward this new development. "Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the U.S. National Space Council Chirag Parikh; Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha; and Governor of the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission and the CEO of the Saudi Space Agency and Deputy Chairman Dr. Mohammed Altamimi announced that the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have begun negotiating a Framework Agreement for Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes," the media release stated.
This initiative proposes several measures aimed at boosting cooperation in different aspects related to outer space exploration. Among the proposals that these countries hope to achieve by this joint effort are cooperative activities in aeronautics, Earth and space science, space operations, as well as exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes if negotiations go well, according to news release. There is mutual desire among both countries to enhance cooperation involving commercial development regulations; establish responsible behavior in outer space; promote security which in turn will offer opportunities for the respective commercial space industries.
The announcement of this joint venture follows some significant developments in global space partnerships. The news comes on the heels of Bulgaria becoming the 32nd nation to sign the Artemis Accords earlier this month, which establishes a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation, according to NASA press release.
Commenting on Bulgaria's decision to join the Artemis Accords, NASA's administrator shared his thoughts and hopes for future international collaborations. "NASA is honored to welcome Bulgaria as the 32nd nation to sign the Artemis Accords," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in statement. "The global partnerships made in the Artemis era will create possibilities that benefit members of the Artemis Generation in both our countries – and around the world. Bulgaria’s leadership will help ensure humanity’s journey to the Moon and beyond is done peacefully, safely, and transparently."
