The United Arab Emirates and China are to collaborate on research into the 'peaceful exploration' of outer space following the signing of a new agreement.
The memorandum of understanding into research on space science and satellite development was signed during the recent visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Under the deal, the UAE Space Agency and China National Space Agency will engage in training, capacity building, lectures and conferences as part of a data exchange scheme.
The countries will also form joint committee to meet biennially, or as required, to oversee certain operations.
UAE Space Agency chairman Dr Khalifa Al Rumaithi said: "The UAE Space Agency recognises the importance of international collaboration in the field of peaceful exploitation of outer space, as this field is considered a common heritage for humankind. It is extremely important in our view for all competent entities in this field to work together for a common goal of enhancing the welfare of humanity.
"The UAE enjoys a strong relationship with China in various fields, including education, social and cultural fields. We are looking forward to enhancing this relationship via the new MoU, which comes in line with our strategic plans to expand collaboration with China, in what brings prosperity to both countries."
This latest announcement follows a series of bilateral agreements decided during HH Sheikh Mohamed's visit to China earlier this month.
One major deal was the agreement of a $10bn strategic co-investment fund, which was followed by the news that Dubai-based ports operator DP World would invest around $1.9bn to build new terminals at Qingdao and Tianjin City.
Yesterday the UAE also announced it would be setting up its first Yuan clearing hub, following in the footsteps of Qatar which launched one earlier this year.
Currently China is the UAE’s second largest trading partner after India. Trade between the two countries is set to reach $60bn by the end of this year, according to government estimates.
By Eleanor Dickinson
