Egypt signs Arab Space Cooperation Group’s basic charter

Dubai, UAE: 28 October 2021 – Egypt today signed the Arab Space Cooperation Group’s basic charter during a meeting of member states held taking place during the 72^nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Dubai.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Qousi, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, signed the charter in the presence of His Excellency Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, and a number of senior Agency officials. The meeting took place on the fringes of IAC, a major international aeronautical event taking place in Dubai for the first time ever.

Egypt is a founding member of the Arab Space Cooperation Group which was launched by the UAE in 2019 and is responsible for coordinating efforts among all 14 member states. It aims to encourage regional cooperation, harmonize regulations among all space authorities, adopt a unified position at regional and international forums, and steer future initiatives, projects, and exploratory missions.

The UAE Space Agency and the Egyptian Space Agency separately held bilateral talks to develop prospects for space cooperation between both nations. His Excellency Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi was joined by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Qousi at the meeting where the pair explored ways to promote greater collaboration.

His Excellency Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “As one of the Arab Space Cooperation Group’s founding members, we welcome Egypt signing the basic charter today. The UAE Space Agency enjoys close relations with the Egyptian Space Agency both bilaterally and under the framework of the multi-nation alliance. This organization plays a vital role in steering coordination, cooperation and collaboration among all member states and serves as a key platform for the future.

His Excellency added: “The Arab Space Cooperation Group was launched by the UAE to accomplish an important mission: enhance space cooperation across the Arab World.  By bringing together our strengths, shared knowledge, and experiences, we promote scientific research and peaceful space exploration to accelerate peace, progress and regional prosperity.” 

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Qousi, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, said: “The Arab Space Cooperation Group has made significant positive developments in increasing cooperation between Arab countries in the field of space in a short time. The Egyptian Space Agency’s signing of this charter represents the depth and strength of the relationship between Egypt and the UAE, especially in the field of space.”

The Arab Space Cooperation Group’s basic charter was adopted during the sixth meeting of member states in November 2019. It aims to enhance the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, experiences, and information, as well encourage the development of scientific research and innovation to develop advanced space capabilities. It promotes the harmonization of international laws and regulations and seeks to unify them as much as possible in line with global best practices. The charter encourages members without a space agency or space program to develop them and to cooperate with regional and international organizations.