Russia, Malaysia to set up working groups on space projects

MOSCOW. July 5 (Interfax) - Roscosmos head Yury Borisov and Malaysian Space Agency Director General Azlikamil Napiah have agreed to set up working groups on joint space projects, Roscosmos said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The sides have agreed to set up working groups for a detailed discussion of every area of cooperation between Roscosmos and the Malaysian Space Agency," Roscosmos said.

"I have no doubt that the agreements reached at the meeting will serve as a basis for further fruitful cooperation between our countries in the peaceful use of outer space," the statement quoted Borisov as saying.

Borisov told his Malaysian counterpart about Russia's capacity for satellite construction, launch services, ground-based space infrastructure, manned space projects and remote Earth sensing.

"The Roscosmos delegation also met with Joint Chair for the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology Zakri Abdul Hamid during the visit," the statement said.

It was reported on Tuesday that Borisov had discussed space cooperation with Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang.

Borisov said at the 2023 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 16 that Russia was ready to share its expertise in constructing satellites with friendly countries and to consider joint projects.

He also said on April 26 that Algeria, Myanmar, Vietnam, Egypt and South Africa were considering contracts with Russia for the launch of satellites that will be designed according to their orders.