The United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen their collaboration in space exploration and civil aeronautics, with the two sides finalizing a framework agreement to facilitate and strengthen a mutually beneficial partnership, NASA announced Tuesday. The bilateral pact underscores the significance of the Artemis Accords, which supports the transparent, safe and responsible exploration of space, the space agency added.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson signed the deal on behalf of the U.S. government alongside Saudi Space Agency CEO Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi for Riyadh.
Nelson sees the agreement guiding the two countries’ space exploration efforts for the benefit of humanity. “I look forward to strengthening our cooperation for the future of exploration,” the NASA chief said.
For his part, Saudi Space Agency Chairman Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha said the agreement also highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advance space innovation and the kingdom’s goal of becoming a major player in international space exploration.
The two parties signed the framework agreement following Nelson’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May to discuss upcoming partnerships and civil space cooperation between Washington and Riyadh.