Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Egypt and Belgium signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, and cooperation in the field of space science and satellite development.
According to a statement by the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels on Friday, a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the Egyptian Space Agency and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Sciences, in the field of space for peaceful purposes, was signed by Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, on the Egyptian side, during his visit to Brussels; And in the presence of Dr. Badr Abdel Ati; Ambassador of Egypt to the Kingdom of Belgium and accredited to the European Union.
On the Belgian side, the memorandum of understanding was signed by Mrs. Martine de Maiziere; Director General of the Royal Belgian Institute of Space Sciences; Where the memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen cooperation frameworks between the two sides in the field of exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, exchange of experiences, visits, joint activities, training and capacity building in relation to the uses of outer space; In addition to cooperation in the field of space science, satellite development, and the environmental field in connection with space; This cooperation comes within the framework of the ambitious program adopted by Egypt in the field of space.
  Dr. Badr Abdel Ati stated; Egypt's ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and accredited to the European Union told Middle East News Agency that the signing of the memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the two countries in the field of exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes and cooperation in the field of space science reflects the positive development witnessed by the bilateral relations between Egypt and Belgium in various fields.

The signing ceremony of the aforementioned memorandum of understanding was held within the framework of an expanded meeting at the Institute's headquarters, attended by a number of high-level officials of Belgian government agencies concerned with scientific policies and scientific research, including space science. At the head of this is Mr. "Arnoh Vajda", Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Belgian Federal Office for Scientific Policy BELSPO, affiliated to the Belgian government; concerned with scientific research and space science policies; In addition to the directors of the Department of Research and Space, and the Department of Scientific Information and Data at the Belgian Federal Office.
The Royal Belgian Institute also organized an inspection tour for the Egyptian delegation at the institute's headquarters to get acquainted closely with the services and programs it provides for cooperation in the field of space, scientific research, satellite follow-up and related industries. For his part, Dr. Sherif Sedky reviewed the activities and programs carried out by the Egyptian Space Agency, and possible areas of cooperation in this regard.
During the meeting, the importance of pushing for more cooperation in the field of space science and its applications was emphasized. Especially with the momentum witnessed in the bilateral relations between Egypt and Belgium with the growing pace of cooperation between the two countries in the political, cultural, economic and scientific fields; including cooperation in the field of space; Also, in light of the importance of cooperation in order to expand the industrial base in the field of satellites and space technologies in Egypt.
 
The meetings also dealt with opportunities for cooperation with the African continent through Egypt, as it is the natural gateway to Africa and its markets, and in several areas, including strengthening research capabilities, whether at the level of research centers or universities, through the uses of space science and satellites in order to face existing challenges. On top of that is food security and water scarcity; irrigation and groundwater exploration, environmental fields; This includes combating desertification and pollution in the context of confronting climate change, mitigating its effects and adapting;
 
On the other hand, the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels organized a number of meetings that brought together Dr. Sherif Sedky, with the officials of a number of leading institutions and companies in the field of technologies related to space and satellite sciences from various Belgian regions; including Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders; Where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation with these companies and build on the areas of cooperation included in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Belgian side today. And even work to expand it in the future.