Today I joined Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, and other dignitaries to sign an agreement that has been in the making for over 10 years. The Framework Agreement for Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, for Peaceful Purposes builds on many years of peaceful and fruitful cooperation in space – and represents our shared vision to advance scientific progress and space exploration human space.
US-Japan cooperation and friendship on Earth has resulted in significant achievements in space. Japan and the United States are two of the initial eight signatories to the Artemis Accords, which demonstrates our country’s fundamental commitment to responsible, sustainable and peaceful exploration of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. Together, we have advanced the boundaries of human endeavor and scientific knowledge through our partnership – from the creation of the International Space Station to the development of the Lunar Gateway, a research outpost that will orbit the Moon and be used to prepare for future missions to Mars.
This Framework Agreement will intensify and strengthen our bilateral cooperation in space. Our nation plans to collaborate on space science, including lunar science; Geography; space operations and exploration, including lunar operations and exploration; aviation science and technology; space technology; space transportation; guarantee of security and mission; and other related opportunities. Our nations plan to hold a Comprehensive Dialogue on Outer Space in March 2023 to build on this agreement and strengthen cooperation in all sectors of our space cooperation.
The future of space will be built on collaboration. Through this agreement, we will go further and learn more together.
