VIENNA, 21 April (UN Information Service) – The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and China have renewed their commitment to cooperation in bringing the benefits of space to all humankind.
During an official visit to China by UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo, UNOOSA and China are reiterating their shared commitment to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, as well as underlining the significant contributions that space activities can make to sustainable development.
“I greatly appreciate China’s contribution to international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and its ongoing and wide-ranging support of the Office’s activities. This support includes cooperation on Earth Observation Data and technical support from the China National Space Administration, our joint project with the China Manned Space Agency to provide access to China’s future space station for United Nations Member States, particularly developing states, and China’s support to the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response, and much more. I look forward to strengthening our cooperation,” said Ms. Di Pippo.
UNOOSA and China also called for increased international cooperation for the benefit of all countries in space research, applications, operations and exploration.
“China is always committed to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, and believes that the exploration and use of outer space should be carried out for the benefit of all humankind. China will continue closely cooperating with UNOOSA and all countries in the world in a transparent and open manner, and contributing to broadening international cooperation. China believes such cooperation will contribute to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening the friendly relations between States and peoples,” said Ambassador SHI Zhongjun, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna.
While in China, Ms. Di Pippo observed from Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on 20 April the launch of “Tianzhou-1”, China’s first cargo spacecraft, to “Tiangong-2”, China’s space laboratory. This launch will further promote China’s manned space programme. She will also visit other facilities and institutions in Beijing, including astronaut training facilities, the spacecraft and satellite AIT (Assembly, Integration and Test) facilities, the test and assessment system, the application facilities of the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, and the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific, along with six Vienna-based Ambassadors. Ms. Di Pippo will also participate in activities to celebrate the Space Day of China, which takes place on April 24.