Algeria, Russia willing to boot space cooperation

The meeting, held at the Space Telecommunications Systems Operation Center, provided an opportunity for both parties to present their respective space programs and exchange views on the modalities and thrusts of bilateral cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, a bust of Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, donated by Russia, was inaugurated by the two officials, in the presence of Russia’s Ambassador to Algeria, Valerian Shuvaev, and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad.

In a statement to the press, Oussedik said that “the event we are celebrating today reflects our willingness to enhance our cooperation in the fields of space technologies, in line with the aspirations of our two countries, particularly after the signing of the governmental agreement on Algeria-Russia cooperation in the exploration and use of space for peaceful purposes, under the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to Russia.”

After noting the “highly symbolic” nature of honoring the memory of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on the 60^th anniversary of man’s first flight into space, Oussedik stated that this commemoration “symbolizes the ambition for fruitful and lasting space cooperation with a friendly country, the Russian Federation.”

For his part, Borisov indicated that he had held “very rich” discussions with his Algerian counterpart.

The Algerian space program for 2040, presented today, “opens a new page of practical cooperation between Russia and Algeria in the space sector.”

Algeria and Russia signed a framework agreement to define the basic terms of bilateral relations in the field of space activities during a state visit to Russia in mid-June by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.