Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
The United States and Italy have released a joint statement following their inaugural bilateral Space Dialogue, held in Rome on October 10-11, 2024. This event was a significant step forward in the collaboration between the two nations on space-related matters.
The dialogue was organized following commitments made by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Joe Biden in July 2023 to enhance space cooperation. Italian representatives included Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Edmondo Cirielli, Vice Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini, Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Riccardo Guariglia, and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Shawn Crowley.
In their keynote messages, Gen. Franco Federici from Italy, Chirag Parikh from the U.S. National Space Council, and Rahima Kandahari from the U.S. Department of State emphasized that this dialogue aims to deepen cooperation for mutual benefit.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration in various areas including national space policies and sustainable use of outer space. Both sides committed to enhancing security measures and commercial cooperation while addressing global challenges such as climate change.
They also reviewed shared economic interests and resolved to continue working together on international norms regarding space activities. A particular emphasis was placed on not placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit around Earth.
Additionally, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to voluntary international best practices for safe use of outer space. They welcomed UN General Assembly resolution 77/41 which discourages destructive anti-satellite missile tests.
Discussions also covered low-Earth orbit activities, scientific missions like NASA's Artemis program, and potential cooperation on Italy's Multi-Purpose Habitation module for lunar exploration.
Italy and the U.S. expressed interest in collaborating with emerging space programs globally while promoting responsible behavior standards in outer space. The Artemis Accords were highlighted as an important framework for ensuring compliance with existing treaties.
Both nations acknowledged progress toward a Technology Safeguards Agreement facilitating U.S. commercial launches from Italy. A commercial roundtable during the International Astronautical Congress further explored opportunities for business partnerships between private companies from both countries.
The dialogue concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to ongoing cooperation across these areas as well as exploring new avenues such as developing the space industry sector together.
