Saudi Arabia, US sign space cooperation deal for “peaceful” purposes – SPA

Saudi Arabia and the US have signed a cooperation agreement focused on the "exploration and peaceful" utilization of space, the state-run news agency reported on Tuesday, hailing the deal as a testament to the significance of the space industry. The agreement aims to "enhance cooperation in the field of space and scientific exploration," through the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework that facilitates cooperation for the exchange of expertise and the development of joint programs, SPA news agency reported. On the landmark agreement, Saudi space agency chief Abdullah Al-Swaha said it was a "turning point" that would help usher in more growth in Riyadh's space sector, subsequently propelling the Gulf Arab kingdom to international recognition, he underlined. Echoing the Saudi official's sentiments, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson highlighted the agreement with Riyadh as instrumental in bolstering bilateral cooperation, saying it would prove beneficial for the "golden era" of space exploration. On the intricacies of the agreement, SPA said it mainly entails flight operations, balloon campaigns, scientific data exchange, joint workshops, in addition to other initiatives, all of which would help strengthen Riyadh's role as a "key player in the regional and global space industry," it added. Source: Kuwait News Agency