Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is on a visit to the UAE, and discussed the bilateral relations and their interest in promoting progress and stability in the region.
They also exchanged views on various issues of mutual concern.
The meeting highlighted the role of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate in facilitating dialogue between participants in the global space sector to explore opportunities for sustainable growth and collaboration, confirming the importance of boosting UAE-Israel cooperation in the space sector.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Presidential Court Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, and UAE ambassador to Israel Mohammed Mahmoud Al Khaja.
For his part, the Israeli President announced an Emirati-Israeli partnership in the space sector and essential cooperation between the two agencies, wishing that collaboration would further develop into broader horizons and be an inspiring model for many other countries.
Herzog noted that the "Abu Dhabi Space Debate is a global contribution that plans a better future for our world and planet Earth, away from competition among some countries."
He stressed that "we can use the space sector to boost the quality of our life on our planet and that it is possible to take advantage of the discoveries provided by space projects to boost our development for the benefit of humanity."
During a keynote speech at the opening of the Abu Dhabi Space Dialogue, which he started in Arabic, the Israeli President noted that this massive gathering of senior leaders, policy-makers, and decision-makers in this vital sector comes at an appropriate time, as they meet under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohammed.
"I have the utmost appreciation as a leader with a pioneering development vision," said Herzog about Sheikh Mohammed.
Herzog stressed that there is an urgent need for closer cooperation among all, especially concerning issues and challenges facing the planet and negatively affecting our lives, such as climate change issues and others.
For his part, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that cooperation between UAE and Israel in space, knowledge, and related technologies, is witnessing continuous growth and development.
He highlighted that the Abu Dhabi Space Debate constitutes a significant global platform for foreseeing the future of this vital sector and enhancing its contributions to sustainable development and stimulating global economic growth.
The FM noted that the UAE, in light of its pioneering global achievements in the space sector, was keen to organize this global event to develop innovative global strategies in space exploration and pave the way for fruitful international cooperation in this sector.
Also at the event, Chairperson of the UAE Space Agency and Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology Sarah al-Amiri said that the Abu Dhabi Space Debate is an excellent opportunity to find solutions to the challenges facing the space sector and enhance international cooperation that will positively reflect on the future of humanity.
Amiri noted that the global awareness of the impact of climate change makes it necessary to unite efforts through knowledge sharing and technology cooperation.
She referred to the changes the world has witnessed and the participation of new players in the space sector, stating, "We have moved from a bipolar world in a previous historical period to a new reality in which 70 countries can use space."
Amiri pointed out the growing and important role of private companies in the development of the space sector, especially in the fields of security and defense technology, adding that the part of the private sector is essential in achieving space sustainability, which is one of the primary contexts of the Abu Dhabi Debate.
She affirmed that the Abu Dhabi Space Debate is a significant opportunity to develop partnerships in the space sector, enhance global cooperation in all space-related areas, promote sustainable economic development, and develop a unified vision to support space programs.
The Abu Dhabi Space Debate witnessed the launch of the Space for Climate Observatory, a global initiative that aims to bring together public and private entities involved in the Earth observation sector.
The Observatory aims to coordinate efforts to promote the peaceful use of space technology to address climate change and increase the efficiency of its applications for sustainable and prosperous climate action at the local and global levels.
