UAESA looks to cooperate with Italian delegation

The UAE Space Agency discussed avenues for future cooperation with a high-profile delegation from Italy. The Italian delegation included Liborio Stellino, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, Sergio Lamboni, Vice President of Arescosmo – Defence and Space, and Piero Cozzi, an Arescosmo advisor.

During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for cooperation between their respective space industries. Topics of discussion included space exploration, skills and capacity development, and the joint exchange of information and knowledge in respect to ongoing space research and exploration.

H.E. Dr. Al Ahbabi was officially invited to attend and participate in the world-renowned MELiSSA Workshop, which is held in Rome between May 16-18. The workshop is set to include discussions on current and future projects to develop controlled ecological life support systems and other scientific research within the field.

H.E. Dr. Al Ahbabi said: “As we work to continue growing and developing our capabilities as a space faring nation, we are naturally interested in cooperating and working with international space agencies, such as the highly regarded Italian Space Agency (ASI). Our meeting today falls within the UAE Space Agency’s strategic objectives, which include the development of global partnerships that support the UAE’s national space sector, particularly in the fields of space exploration and human capacity building.”

In early 2016, the UAE Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ASI to strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two agencies. The MoU stands to provide and support cooperation in various aspects of space exploration, including: space sciences, technology, services and applications, exchange of information, studies and joint space research. These endeavours are further complimented with agreements to contribute towards supporting both nations’ space programmes through the organisation of visits, conferences, scientific lectures, and specialised training and human capacity building.