New international space organization appears in Beijing

The second meeting of a working group of Asia-Pacific region countries that finished in the Chinese capital coordinated the Charter of the Asian Pacific Space Cooperation.

The session was attended by representatives and observers from China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand, Chile, Brazil, Ukraine, South Korea and Russia.

Russia was invited as an observer and was represented by Rosaviakosmos experts.

According to sources close to the Russian delegation, the coordinated charter of the organization is open for signing by potential participants. The setting up of the organization was initiated in 1992 by China, Pakistan and Thailand.

Its headquarters will be based in Beijing, the parties have agreed.

The organization intends to develop cooperation in peaceful space development and to use space achievements and technologies for joint interests. Thus, a number of countries have shown interest in establishing interaction in such spheres as environment protection, fight against calamities, exploration of mineral resources, communications and distance education.