Saudi Arabia and US Sign Landmark Agreement on Civilian Space Cooperation

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia and the United States have signed a landmark framework agreement to enhance cooperation in civilian space exploration and research, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agreement, formally titled “Framework Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes,” was signed by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson for the US and CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi for Saudi Arabia.

This framework will establish a legal basis to facilitate and strengthen collaboration between the two countries in the field of space.

Abdullah Al-Swaha, chairman of the Saudi Space Agency, hailed the agreement as a “turning point in the Kingdom’s journey toward building a strong and prosperous space sector.” He emphasized that it underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to progress and innovation in space travel.

The agreement also highlights the importance of the Artemis Accords, which the US signed in October 2020 and Saudi Arabia joined in July 2022, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to the transparent, safe, and responsible exploration of space, according to a State Department statement.