Egypt signed the Arab Space Cooperation Group’s basic charter during a meeting of member states that took place at the Seventh Arab Dialogue for Space Cooperation, which coincided with the 72nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Dubai.

The CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), Dr Mohammed El Koosy, signed the charter in the presence of Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, and several other senior agency officials.

Commenting on the occasion, Al Qubaisi said, “As one of the Arab Space Cooperation Group’s founding members, we welcome Egypt signing the basic charter today. The UAE Space Agency enjoys close relations with the EgSA both bilaterally and under the framework of the multinational alliance. This organisation plays a vital role in steering coordination, cooperation and collaboration among all member states and serves as a key platform for the future.”

“The Arab Space Cooperation Group was launched by the UAE to accomplish an important mission: enhance space cooperation across the Arab World. By bringing together our strengths, shared knowledge, and experiences, we promote scientific research and peaceful space exploration to accelerate peace, progress and regional prosperity,” he added.

Dr El Koosy said, “The Arab Space Cooperation Group has made significant positive developments in increasing cooperation between Arab countries in the field of space in a short time. The EgSA’s signing of this charter represents the depth and strength of the relationship between Egypt and the UAE, especially in the field of space.”

The Arab Space Cooperation Group

The Arab Space Cooperation Group is a regional space-focused entity established in 2019 and chaired by UAE’s Space Agency. The group is responsible for coordinating regional space efforts among the 14 member states. These member states include Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia and the UAE. This consequently includes harmonising regulations among space authorities, adopting a unified position at regional and international forums. Likewise, it includes guiding joint initiatives for comprehensive collaboration.

Member states adopted the Arab Space Cooperation Group’s basic charter during the sixth meeting of member states in November 2019. The charter aims to enhance knowledge exchange, technical expertise, experiences, and information. Likewise, it encourages scientific research and innovation to develop advanced space capabilities. Furthermore, the charter encourages members without space agencies or programmes to develop them and cooperate with regional and international organisations.