Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a reception hosted by His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, on the occasion of the first International Space Summit, held from September 9 - 10.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the reception was attended by heads of state and government, ministers, and international officials participating in the Summit. The event brought together researchers, astronauts, scientists, companies, government entities, international organisations, and private sector representatives as part of global efforts to advance international space policies.
During the reception, Dr. Al Zayani conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to HE President Macron. He commended France's initiative to host the Summit and expressed hopes for continued progress and prosperity for France and its people.
HE President Macron delivered a speech welcoming the Summit participants and highlighted the participation of approximately 90 countries. He noted the signing of more than 50 agreements and the announcement of £1 billion in investments in several French space-sector projects.
President Macron also affirmed France's and its European partners' commitment to strengthening European sovereignty in the space sector while remaining open to trusted international partnerships with countries in the Gulf, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He stressed the importance of establishing common international regulatory frameworks to ensure the sustainability of space activities.