Riyadh, Washington Bolster Strategic Space Partnership

US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
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Riyadh, Washington Bolster Strategic Space Partnership

US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
US and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)

The Saudi Space Agency said that Saudi Arabia and the United States signed on Tuesday a strategic cooperation agreement focused on the exploration and peaceful utilization of outer space.
The agreement aims to enhance US-Saudi cooperation in the field of space and scientific exploration, increase joint investment in various commercial activities.

“The space sector in the Kingdom receives significant interest, support, and empowerment from the wise leadership, recognizing it as the next trillion-dollar economy and a sector that stimulates innovation and inspires generations," the Agency said in a statement.

"Through its ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to strengthen its position in the world of space and the industry of its technologies,” it stated.
The agreement outlines areas of joint work between the two parties, which include space and earth sciences, aeronautics, space missions, education, and many other areas of mutual interest.
Commenting on this step, the Chairman of the Saudi Space Agency, Abdullah Alswaha, stated that “the agreement represents a turning point in the Kingdom’s journey towards building a strong and prosperous space sector."
The CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, Dr. Mohammed Altamimi, underscored the significance of this strategic partnership in identifying areas of mutual interest and fostering collaborative endeavors.



Gold Gains on Fed Rate Cut Hopes

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
TT

Gold Gains on Fed Rate Cut Hopes

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

Gold prices rose on Thursday on expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut next week, while palladium hit its highest in more than two months due to supply concerns from top producer Russia.
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $2,517.88 per ounce by 0942 GMT, supported by the 21-day moving average at $2,505, Reuters reported.
US consumer prices rose marginally in August, but underlying inflation signaled some stickiness, which could result in the Fed delivering a smaller 25-basis-point cut at its meeting next week.
"Judging by gold's reaction to the latest US inflation data, it seems as if today's expectations of moderately lower US interest rates are sufficient to support prices around current levels of $2,500 per ounce at least in the short term," said Carsten Menke, an analyst at Julius Baer.
Traders are waiting for the US Producer Price Index (PPI) for August, the initial jobless claims print due later today and the consumer sentiment data on Friday for more clues on the Fed's path.
Palladium gained 0.6% to $1,014 per ounce. It earlier hit $1,030.68, the highest since July 8, on supply concerns after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that Moscow should consider limiting exports of uranium, titanium and nickel.
"Palladium is the market that is up for a short-covering rally. Putin did not mention palladium. But since the metal is a by-product of Russian nickel production, such export curbs could drive down production of both metals and deepen the current deficit in the palladium market," said WisdomTree commodity strategist Nitesh Shah.
Russia's Nornickel is the world's largest producer of palladium and a major producer of platinum, accounting for 41% and 12% of global mining output, respectively.
Spot silver added 0.4% to $28.81 and platinum gained 0.3% to $953.79.