Morocco signs Arab Space Cooperation Group’s basic charter

The Arab Space Cooperation Group is a regional space-focused entity established in 2019 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Chaired by the UAE Space Agency, it is responsible for coordinating regional space efforts among the 14 member states: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Iraq and Mauritania.

Ibrahim Al-Qasim, Space Science Advisor at the UAE Space Agency, welcomed a delegation from Morocco’s Royal Centre for Remote Space Sensing, led by the Director-General, Dr Driss Al Haddani. He praised the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and welcomed Morocco’s ratification of the charter.

The group aims to encourage and coordinate regional cooperation in the space sector. This includes harmonising regulations among space authorities, adopting a unified position at regional and international forums, and guiding joint initiatives for comprehensive collaboration.

Speaking about the agreement, Ibrahim Al-Qasim, Space Science Advisor at the UAE Space Agency, said: “We are pleased to see Morocco ratify the Arab Space Cooperation Group’s basic charter because it will serve as a mechanism to accelerate joint endeavours and create a unified vision for the region. Sharing knowledge and expertise is extremely important and that is why the Arab Space Cooperation Group was established in 2019. By enhancing collaboration and cooperation in all related fields, we can continue to create new opportunities for economic growth, develop cutting-edge advanced technologies and encourage deep space exploration among all member states.”

Dr Driss Al-Hadani, Director General of the Royal Centre for Remote Space Sensing, added: “Morocco is proud to be a founding member of the Arab Space Cooperation Group and signing its basic charter is an important step forward in creating a unified regional vision. On behalf of everyone at the Royal Centre for Remote Space Sensing, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the UAE Space Agency for hosting our delegation. Today’s ratification is a further indication of the strong bilateral relations between our two countries in all fields, especially the new frontier of space.”

The official visit from Morocco’s Royal Centre for Remote Space Sensing to the UAE Space Agency aims to develop new areas for cooperation in the space sector, which has witnessed remarkable developments in recent years.  This has included the UAE’s Hope Probe reaching Mars and Morocco launching satellites into orbit.

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 as encourage the development of scientific research and innovation to develop advanced space capabilities. It promotes the harmonisation 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 programme to develop them and to cooperate with regional and international organisations.