Egypt was the first country to receive China's cooperation project on satellite technology outside of China.
Egypt was the first country to receive China's cooperation project on satellite technology outside of China - File Photo
China's Ambassador to Cairo, Liao Li Zhang, highlighted the extensive bilateral cooperation between China and Egypt, spanning from infrastructure to high technology.
He emphasized that Egypt was the first country to receive China's cooperation project on satellite technology outside of China. Additionally, Egypt became the first country to collaborate with China on the large-scale experimental operation of a satellite outside of China.
He further noted that the EgyptSat-2 project represents a new model of Sino-Egyptian cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Egypt will become the first African country with comprehensive capabilities for satellite assembly, integration, and testing upon completion of the project.
The remarks were made during a ceremony marking the delivery of a grant from the Chinese government to the Egyptian government, represented by the EgyptSat-2 satellite model.
The ceremony was attended by Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, and Sherif Sedky, CEO of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences.
During President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to China in December 2014, the China National Space Administration and the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences signed the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Space Science and Remote Sensing" to define cooperation on satellite remote sensing and other areas.
Ambassador Liao Li Zhang mentioned that in January 2016, during President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt, China and Egypt signed an agreement on a grant provided by the Chinese government to establish a satellite assembly and testing center. The agreement was implemented in 2017.
He further stated that in 2019, the two countries signed an agreement on the Chinese grant for the EgyptSat-2 satellite project, which commenced implementation the same year.
Today, we witness the delivery of the EgyptSat-2 satellite model, which represents a tangible achievement resulting from the joint efforts of both countries to implement the important agreements reached by the two presidents.
The Ambassador highlighted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, and thanks to the strategic leadership and personal planning of the two presidents, China and Egypt have achieved fruitful results within the framework of participating in the construction of the Belt and Road.
During the development of EgyptSat-2, China utilized relevant facilities to train Egyptian personnel, enabling Egypt to participate deeply in the stages of satellite design, testing, assembly, and evaluation.
In the next phase, Egypt will take control of the satellite and independently use it for remote sensing. This cooperation strongly contributes to enhancing Egypt's capacity in the field of space technology and developing Egyptian expertise, laying a solid foundation for Egypt's independent development in the space sector.
Ambassador Liao Li Zhang affirmed that space exploration is a common cause for all of humanity, representing a shared dream.
China has attached great importance to the development of the space industry, implementing a series of space projects. Its independent innovation capabilities have continuously strengthened, and it has made significant achievements in exploring the vast universe.
Egypt has also included the development of the space industry in its national strategy and has made significant progress in the field of space technology, becoming a leader in Africa in terms of space technology.
He expressed China's eagerness to make joint efforts with Egypt to further deepen cooperation in the space sector and continue enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt for the betterment of both countries and their peoples.
He extended his warm congratulations on the smooth progress of the project and expressed utmost appreciation for the Chinese and Egyptian experts involved in this endeavor.
In recent years, China and Egypt have witnessed a strengthening partnership, particularly in economic and infrastructure cooperation. China's Belt and Road Initiative has provided significant opportunities for Egypt to enhance its connectivity, develop key sectors, and improve its infrastructure.
The collaboration in space technology marks a milestone in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, opening doors for further cooperation and mutual benefits.
