‎Brazil News

 

Brazil and Colombia signed, this Thursday (19), a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in space activities with peaceful purposes. The document was signed by the Brazilian minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, astronaut Marcos Pontes, and his Colombian equivalent, Tito Crissien Borrero.

 

Cooperation will take place in thematic areas such as earth observation and the development, assembly, testing and operation of satellites. In addition, the agreement will allow for shared use of scientific and technological infrastructure between the two countries.

 

“A space program has a very important role in the development of several areas. And there are a number of challenges that can, and need to, be resolved in partnership. That is why it is important to have a partner like Colombia, which will also be able to rely heavily on Brazil in the creation of its space program,” said astronaut minister Marcos Pontes during the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony.

 

For the Colombian Minister of Science and Technology, Tito Crissien, the cooperation will bring social and economic advances to both countries. “We are convinced that this partnership will contribute a lot to the development of several areas, mainly social and economic. Brazil and Colombia have long been scientific partners. Having the support of our neighboring country gives us certainty of success in the development of our space project”, he said.

 

The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and INPE (National Institute for Space Research), both linked to the MCTI, will be the Brazilian institutions with the greatest involvement in this scientific cooperation between Brazil and Colombia.