The United States and Japan have signed Framework Agreement for Cooperation in the Exploration and use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, for peaceful purposes builds on many years of peaceful and fruitful cooperation in space.
The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken joined the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Amb Rahm Emanuel, and other dignitaries to sign agreement which is more than 10 years in the making.
Blinken said U.S.-Japan cooperation and friendship here on Earth have led to significant accomplishments in outer space, while this framework agreement represents the shared vision for furthering scientific progress and human space exploration.
“Japan and the United States were two of the initial eight signatories of the Artemis Accords, demonstrating our countries’ foundational commitment to responsible, sustainable, and peaceful outer space exploration for the benefit of all humankind.
“Together, we have advanced the frontiers of human endeavor and scientific knowledge through our partnership from the creation of the International Space Station to development of the lunar Gateway, a research outpost that will orbit the Moon and be used to prepare for future missions to Mars.
He added that the Framework Agreement will intensify and strengthen both countries bilateral cooperation in space. “Our nations plan to collaborate on space science, including lunar science; Earth science; space operations
“And exploration, including lunar operations and exploration; aeronautical science and technology; space technology; space transportation; safety and mission assurance; and other related opportunities.
“Our nations plan to hold a Comprehensive Dialogue on Space in March 2023 to build on this agreement and strengthen cooperation across all sectors of our space cooperation”, he said.
Japanese Minister, Kishida who was truly pleased that the framework agreement on Japan-U.S.space cooperation is being signed, said this space cooperation has entered new era with the Artemis project and many projects, including lunar activities, which he said are already in the works by Japanese and U.S. astronauts.
He strongly hoped that this agreement will robustly promote the space cooperation even further and also further expand the field of cooperation under the Japan-U.S. alliance, which has become stronger than ever under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and myself”, he said.
Japanese Prime Minister commended the efforts of everyone from both sides in developing this Framework Agreement, and “I am committed to continuing to working lockstep with the United States to deepen this collaboration”, he said.
