The Russian delegation team led by Mr Yuri Borisov, Director General of the Russian Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS), was hosted at the Center for the Exploitation of Space Telecommunications Systems (CEST), Algeria, on 26 June 2023. Both parties held discussions on the implementation of the “space exploration and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes” government agreement signed between the governments of Algeria and Russia.

The purpose of the agreement is to establish the fundamental terms for bilateral relations in the realm of space activities. In addition, the deal features regulations and procedures related to intellectual property protection, information exchange, export control arrangements, safeguarding of exported goods and technology, and other terms governing collaborative endeavours.

Furthermore, on the sidelines of the visit, an inauguration ceremony took place to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first crewed space flight. The ceremony involved unveiling a bust, gifted by the international foundation “Dialogue of Cultures – United World,” which depicted the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Russia is committed to building and supporting various African space-related activities at different levels.

CEST is one of the four operational entities of the Algeria Space Agency (ASAL) responsible for managing, operating and marketing telecommunications satellite products and services provided under the national space programme. In addition, CEST handles the technical supervision of ground reception and control infrastructures, supports satellite products and services about relevant user sectors, and formulates and executes product marketing strategies.