US, Japan Sign Pact To Explore Deep Space At NASA Headquarters

The agreement was signed by US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa at NASA headquarters in Washington.

The United States and Japan signed a space agreement at the NASA headquarters in Washington today during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s first visit to the US, reported IANS. The pact builds on a long history of collaboration in space exploration between the two nations. Tokyo has been one of the most significant international partners of NASA from low-Earth orbit to the moon and beyond. 

"This latest framework agreement will allow us to further collaborate across our agencies' broad portfolios in exploration, science, and research," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said late on Friday.

The agreement was signed by US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa. 

"The future of space is collaborative. Through this agreement, our nations have strengthened our partnership in space and here on Earth. We will go farther and learn even more together," said Blinken.The signing is a highlight of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to Washington, his first since taking office in 2021.

"I expect this agreement to vigorously promote Japan-US space cooperation and expand areas of cooperation for the Japan-US alliance, which is stronger than ever before," said Kishida.

The pact recognises a mutual interest in peaceful exploration.

The framework covers a broad swath of joint activities between the countries, including space science, Earth science, space operations and exploration, aeronautical science and technology, space technology, space transportation, safety and mission assurance, and much more.

"I hope that Japan-US space cooperation will further deepen based on this agreement, as it will benefit the future of humanity," said Yoshimasa.

The United States and Japan on Friday said that in association with India and Australia, they will ensure that the Quad continues to be a force for good.

The two countries said this in a joint statement after the meeting between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan at the White House on Friday.

"With an unbreakable bilateral relationship as our foundation, we will also collaborate with others, in the region and beyond, for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific and the world," the joint statement said.

"Together with Australia and India, we will ensure the Quad continues to be a force for good, committed to bringing tangible benefits to the region, including by delivering results on global health, cybersecurity, climate, critical and emerging technologies, and maritime domain awareness," it read.

(With input from agencies)