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)
TT

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 Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.