The U.S. and Saudi Arabia committed to work together on civilian space research and exploration to improve collaboration between the allies, NASA and the State Department said in a Tuesday statement, according to CNBC.
A framework agreement for collaboration in fields such as Earth science, education, and aeronautics was signed by the two nations.
The significance of the Artemis Accords, which Saudi Arabia and the United States signed in 2022 and 2020, was also mentioned in the deal.
The Saudi Space Agency CEO, Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, signed the agreement on behalf of the country, while NASA Administrator Bill Nelson signed on behalf of the United States.
“Building on my visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, I look forward to strengthening our cooperation for the future of exploration,” Nelson said. “We are living in the golden era of exploration – one that is rooted in partnership. This new agreement outlines how we’ll work together, and explore together, for the benefit of humanity,” Nelson said.
As part of the U.S.-Saudi alliance, Nelson met with Saudi government and Space Commission officials in May while on a visit to Saudi Arabia, according to NASA.
The Saudi Space Commission was established by the Saudi Arabian government in 2018 to enhance the nation’s space capabilities and increase private sector participation.
Under the larger framework of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, the commission defines itself as “actively working on the development and expansion of the space sector” to modernize the Saudi economy and wean it off of oil.
