Prince Sultan Bin Salman, chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Space Commission, received here recently the director general of Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities and Russia's presidential envoy for international space cooperation Dr. Dmitry Rogozin and a delegation accompanying him. Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergei Koslov was also present. Prince Sultan said since the establishment of the Saudi Space Agency, the Kingdom's focus was on developing potential in the field by gaining from nations with advanced experience in space science, such as Russia. The Kingdom also intends to build on previous efforts between the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and its counterparts abroad including the ongoing relationship in scientific experiments with Russia, he said. While the Kingdom will be aiming at humanitarian gains in harmony with the weight the country carries regionally and internationally, it will be looking at the important opportunities that lie ahead in space discoveries and associated technology, all of which will lead to real gains to the people resulting from economic investment in this sector, Prince Sultan said. After reviewing the strong historical relationship and the partnership between the two countries in various fields including space, the prince mentioned that the deep respect Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and President Vladimir Putin have for each other will be a catalyst for opportunities to train national cadres, exchange technology and prepare a new generation of Saudi scientists and pioneers in the field of space. During the meeting, which was held in the presence of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Agency and KACST officials, Prince Sultan reviewed the prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the field of space and the means for developing them. Dr. Rogozin expressed Russia's interest in building on the relationship in this important field that represents great opportunities economically and strategically. Dr. Rogozin presented the prince with an official invitation to visit the Russian Federation to explore further areas of cooperation. — SPA
