The UAE Space Agency and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, (the National Centre of Space Studies of France) also known as CNES, signed today (April 9) a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a strategic space partnership.

Signed by Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency and Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of CNES, the MoU allows for extensive future cooperation activities in the field of space between the UAE and France. It also covers partnerships in scientific missions and outreach efforts.

“This agreement is the first of its kind between the UAE and a foreign nation to partner in Space activities,” said Al Rumaithi. “Working with a friendly nation like France in outer Space can only serve to strengthen the bonds between our two countries, while the benefits to the UAE in terms of human capital development, experience and expertise gained are truly invaluable.”

Dr Mohammad Nasser Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency said: “We’re truly excited to be working with a fellow agency with the experience and capabilities of CNES. While the UAE has decades of experience in managing satellites and other space activities, our strategic partnership with CNES will be a key opportunity for both agencies to work together on scientific missions, mutual cooperation and public outreach activities.”

Prior to today’s signing, the two agencies exchanged visits to discuss cooperation between the two agencies. They have discussed ways to support the UAE Space Agency’s key objective of knowledge transfer to assist the development of the agency’s human capital.

Today’s agreement between France and the UAE is the UAE Space Agency’s first international Memorandum of Understanding with a foreign agency for partnership and cooperation in space. It builds upon decades of friendship, economic and political ties between the UAE and France.

“I am delighted to attend this signing ceremony, which illustrates the strengthening ties between our two countries. We already have numerous partnerships in various fields. With this MoU, it’s a new step in our relationship,” said Michel Miraillet, French Ambassador to the UAE.

“This cooperation within the aerospacial field, which is longstanding, is a sign of the strong desire of our two countries to work together, is now real. This confirms the commitment of the CNES to become a partner of the UAESA,” said Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of CNES.

The MoU includes an extensive framework for partnership between the UAE, the UAE Space Agency, France and CNES in space activities, including conception and implementation of joint studies and projects, the exchange of scientific data and information, an exchange of personnel and training of specialists between the two agencies, ground station operations support, as well as government activities related to space policy, public outreach and human development. – TradeArabia News Service