Saudi Arabia, US Agree to Boost Bilateral Cooperation in Space for Peaceful Purposes

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, US Agree to Boost Bilateral Cooperation in Space for Peaceful Purposes

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and the US have agreed to enhance cooperation in outer space exploration and use for peaceful purposes and in commercial opportunities for space industries.

The announcement came during the official visit of the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission, Abdullah al-Swaha, to the US.

Swaha chaired a delegation representing the digital economy, space, and innovation system in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh and Washington issued a joint statement focusing on enhancing cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes and discussing signing a framework agreement on bilateral cooperation in space for peaceful purposes.

Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, and it agreed with the US to expand discussions on potential collaborative activities in space, earth sciences, and space missions.

The Saudi Minister confirmed that the joint statement reflects the ambitions of the two friendly countries to expand the strategic partnership to empower people, protect the planet, and form new horizons for cooperation in space, earth sciences, and exploratory missions.

Swaha indicated that this step would contribute to the sector's sustainability, enhance research and development activities, and accelerate the growth of space-related technologies. It would also develop talents and qualify national cadres through exchanging and transferring experiences between the two sides.



Saudi Arabia Calls for Strengthening Global Peacekeeping Capacity

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji addresses the UN Security Council (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji addresses the UN Security Council (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Strengthening Global Peacekeeping Capacity

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji addresses the UN Security Council (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji addresses the UN Security Council (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Arabia emphasized the need to strengthen the international system’s capacity to maintain global peace and security in line with the United Nations Charter, during a high-level meeting at the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

Representing Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji said the growing challenges and ongoing violent developments facing the international community demand the utmost effectiveness from the multilateral system.

The Security Council, as the central body, must engage impartially and objectively with all issues within its mandate, he urged.

Saudi Arabia underscores the importance of combining effectiveness with multilateralism and proper representation in any genuine efforts for reform and global governance, he added.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the importance of intergovernmental negotiations on reforming the multilateral system, emphasizing that it should take place through the General Assembly, in line with General Assembly Resolution 62/557, which was adopted by consensus.

He highlighted the growing crisis of trust in the United Nations and its bodies, particularly the Security Council, in fulfilling their responsibility to maintain global peace and security and resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

Al-Khereiji reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s call for reforming the Security Council to better reflect the current global reality, make it more effective in responding to international transformations, and boost its efficiency in addressing shared challenges.

Saudi Arabia is fully prepared to work with other member states to achieve this goal, he stressed.