The first Cyprus-UK Bilateral Cooperation Event brought together
representatives from the space sectors and governments of both
countries, with the support of the European Space Agency
(ESA).
The Cypriot Government used the event to announce its intention
to join ESA as an Associate Member, a move which could unlock
further growth in its space sector and greater collaboration with
other ESA member states such as the UK.
Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space
Agency, said:
There is great potential for collaboration on space activities to
add a new dimension to the UK's strong partnership with Cyprus.
This has never been more important, with space firmly established
as a vital tool for driving economic growth, environmental
protection and national security.
That's why Cyprus has been working with ESA and growing its space
sector to great effect over recent years, and we are looking
forward to working very closely with them in the
future.
Mr. George Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy
Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, said:
The high-level dialogue and engagement among companies, as well
as among delegations is encouraging and shows that we are moving
in the right direction.
We are especially grateful for the UK's continued support of our
efforts to position ourselves within the global space ecosystem,
a highly revolving and rapidly changing environment in a vastly
changing world.
The event featured a number of working sessions on topics
including regulation, the development of space strategies,
commercial development and future missions and opportunities
within ESA.
Cypriot universities and companies shared information on national
space projects in areas such as Earth observation, satellite
research and digital infrastructure. Ten UK space companies,
alongside fourteen Cypriot entities, delivered presentations on
their growing capabilities, while ESA representatives explained
the potential funding programmes that could support future joint
UK-Cyprus initiatives.
The UK is a founding member of ESA, which currently has 23 member
states. In addition, Cyprus is one of four countries with a
cooperation agreement with ESA, signed in 2016, aiming to achieve
Associate Membership in ESA by 2026.
The UK Space Agency will host a reciprocal visit by the Cypriot
government, academics and companies later this year, and both
countries will work together to map existing capabilities and
identify areas for future collaboration.
