The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Space Commission (SSC), Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha (photo) met in Paris Monday with the Head of Space Systems at Airbus, Jean-Marc Nasr, the CEO of the Communications and Systems Group Eric Blanc, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Himmeria Group Philippe Gautier.
This came as part of Eng. Al-Swaha’s visit to the French Republic to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of space, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
During those meetings, they discussed opportunities for strategic cooperation in developing the space sector, and investing in future joint projects to achieve common goals in the economic and strategic fields.
The meetings were attended by the Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Tamimi, and Acting President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki.
On Friday, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SSC also met in London with the British Minister of Investment Lord Gerry Grimstone.
During the meeting attended by Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Space Commission Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, they discussed means to promote investment domains in the two countries, especially in the space economy and its technology and techniques.
They also reviewed opportunities to establish partnerships among them in the space field to create more industries as well as new jobs in the two countries.
Earlier this year, the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) was in discussion with Europe’s OHB Corporation for partnership opportunities.
Officials of the Germany-based aerospace firm met with SSC’s Chief Operating Officer Majed Al-Onazi, discussing possible areas of cooperation. No further details were disclosed.
Countries have been reviving space programs in recent years with Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia also increasing their activity.
Saudi Arabia earlier committed $2.1 billion for its own program as part of the Vision 2030.
OHB is the third largest corporation in the European space sector, and one of its key products is a fully integrated spacecraft.
