ADELAIDE- The United Arab Emirates Space Agency, UAESA, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Australian Space Agency, which aims to promote the exchange of best practices, knowledge sharing and enhance cooperation and collaboration between both parties in support of space research and technology The MoU was signed recently at the Australian Space Agency in Lot Fourteen, Adelaide, Australia, by Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, and Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency. The signing was attended by senior officials from the UAE and Australian space agencies.

Commenting on the MoU signing, Al Ahbabi said, "This agreement builds on the longstanding bilateral relationship between the UAE and Australia, and we are delighted to be working with the Australian Space Agency with whom we share much in common including a passion for space and the vision of becoming important players in the international space community. We are firm believers in the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in space, in line with our mission and vision of becoming a leading spacefaring nation and contributing to the betterment of humankind." Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency, said the signing of the agreement represents the continuing journey of the Australian Space Agency to grow its space industry partnering with likeminded spacefaring countries.

"Nothing inspires our next generation quite like space. Working with key partners who are exploring new fields on Earth using nanotechnology and telemedicine and new frontiers in our galaxy will help to develop our future space industry and boost the kinds of jobs available today," said Murfett. The Agency’s visit to South Australia included numerous engagements, and following the MoU signing Al Ahbabi delivered a speech, on 15th February, at the graduation ceremony for the eighth batch of students to complete the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Programme, SH-SSP. Four UAE National engineers specialising in the space sector successfully graduated from the SH-SSP under the guidance and sponsorship of the UAE Space Agency.

The students, who graduated with merit, include: Hamda Al Hosani, Lolowa Al Kindi, Mohamed Al Karbi, and Abduallah Al Dhaheri. In regards to the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Programme’s graduation ceremony, Al Ahbabi said, "As a UAE National and a representative of the UAE Space Agency, I am proud to have had the opportunity to attend the graduation ceremony of the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Programme, and witness the graduation of Hamda, Lolowa, Mohamed, and Abduallah. I hope that their success and achievements inspire other talented UAE Nationals to enter the space sector and work for the benefit of the UAE and humanity." The SH-SSP is an intensive five-week programme in Adelaide, Australia, which strives to develop students experience in the space industry. The Agency’s visit to South Australia also included a number of important meetings. Al Ahbabi met with Steven Marshall, Premier of South Australia, and discussed the latest developments in the UAE space sector as well as the future plans of both parties.

In addition, he met with Professor David Lloyd, President of the University of South Australia, and discussed academic cooperation between the university and UAE space research centers and universities. The UAE Space Agency delegation concluded its trip to South Australia with a visit to the Space School at Hamilton Secondary College in Adelaide, where the delegation discussed mechanisms for developing and enhancing scientific cooperation between the two parties.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.