Ukraine, Neighbor Nations Agree to Establish Regional Space Agency

KIEV, Ukraine (State Space Agency of Ukraine PR) — On October 6, 2020, Volodymyr Usov, Chairman of the State Space Agency of Ukraine, took part in a meeting of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM) working group on science and innovation of the Working Group on Science and Education.

During the meeting, the Ukrainian side made proposals to establish cooperation within GUAM in the field of space activities.

Volodymyr Usov stressed the expediency of uniting efforts in the space sphere at the regional level in order to expand capacity and increase efficiency.

One of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the initiative of the head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine to establish a GUAM space agency headquartered in Kiev.

The proposal of the Ukrainian side was positively received by the delegations of the GUAM member states and a decision was made to establish a working group to prepare for the establishment of the GUAM space agency.

The main goals of the initiative of the Ukrainian side:

• protection of national and economic interests of the participating countries;
• creating independent access to space for member countries;
• creation of a regional satellite group;
• joint participation in global space exploration projects.

The GUAM space agency must create conditions for the most efficient use of resources of each of the participating countries and the maximum effect, both for national programs and in the framework of future joint projects.

About GUAM

The Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM was established in 2006 by the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and operates on the basis of the Charter and is a subject of international law.

According to the Charter, the main goals of GUAM are the establishment of democratic values; ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights; ensuring sustainable development;  strengthening international and regional security and stability;  deepening European integration, as well as expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation; development of socio-economic, transport, energy, scientific, technical and humanitarian potential of the Parties.

ODER-GUAM cooperates with other countries and international organizations by concluding relevant agreements. ODER-GUAM has observer status in the UN General Assembly.