An agreement was signed between the UAE Space Agency and the Turkish Space Agency to boost collaboration in scientific fields, training, as well as knowledge and experience transfer
The UAE and Türkiye have recently explored new areas for future collaboration in the energy, industry and advanced technology sectors. Led by Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, a high-level delegation from the UAE met with top officials and private sector leaders in Türkiye to look into enhancing cooperation and exploring opportunities in areas such as energy infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, biotech, agri-tech, defence, logistics, digital communication, e-commerce and financial services.
According to Dr Al Jaber, the visit is in line with the UAE leadership’s vision and is one of many that will aim to explore the exciting investment opportunities for growth in both nations across a range of priority sectors. The UAE minister also emphasised that the two countries share a clear vision for sustainable economic development and will continue to expand their relations.
“While we are keen to expand our investments in Türkiye, we also want to drive mutually beneficial partnerships for industrial investment in the UAE,” said Dr Al Jaber.
He further noted that in line with the UAE’s Projects of the 50, which include many national strategic projects, they want to encourage businesses and institutions from both countries to take advantage of this partnership along with the opportunities and incentives offered.
Meanwhile, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, also underscored that the continued development of UAE-Turkiye relations is a direct result of the UAE leadership’s directives to strengthen global strategic partnerships.
“Our efforts led to our recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with neighbouring countries to enhance trade and economic cooperation and expand investments,” he explained.
According to Dr Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s economic partnership with Turkiye is deeply rooted in non-oil trade between the two countries, which amounted to about AED 50.4 billion in 2021, achieving a growth of 54 per cent compared to 2020, and an increase of 86 per cent compared to 2019.
“Turkiye accounts for more than three per cent of the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade and is our seventh largest trading partner. UAE investments in Turkiye amounted to almost AED 18.3 billion by the end of 2020, while the value of Turkish investments in the UAE amounted to AED 1.1 billion by the end of 2019. The UAE announced a $10 billion investment fund in Turkiye and the signing of 72 cooperation agreements, highlighting this relationship’s positive trajectory.”
UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, also highlighted that based on the directives of the UAE leadership, UAE-Turkish relations are flourishing across various sectors.
“Thanks to both leaderships, we are witnessing a transformation of projects in vital sectors, including advanced technology and space,” she said.
As part of the visit, an agreement was signed between the UAE Space Agency and the Turkish Space Agency to boost collaboration in scientific fields, training, knowledge and experience transfer. The MoU between the UAE Space Agency and the Turkish Space Agency includes space research, technology, and joint studies on suborbital flights and satellite systems.
“For us in the UAE, international cooperation is key to achieving space aspirations as it provides a mechanism to increase the impact and outcomes of science through knowledge sharing, building R&D capacities, and supporting the deployment of advanced technology in the industry. Ultimately, we believe these partnerships will provide a mutual economic and social positive impact. Our joint efforts will help to expand the region’s contribution to humanity’s broader space exploration. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Turkiye every success in its lunar mission next year,” said Al Amiri.
