Cyprus officially became a signatory to the Artemis Accords on Wednesday, joining an international framework that sets out principles for cooperation in the peaceful and sustainable exploration of outer space.
The signing ceremony was led by Deputy Minister of Research Nikodemos Damianou, who described the occasion as a “significant milestone” for Cyprus. He highlighted that the nations participating in the Artemis Accords represent “a diverse coalition” united by a vision of a new era in space exploration, emphasizing values of “security, peace, and sustainability.”
Damianou expressed Cyprus’ commitment to fostering international cooperation in space, stating, “As we embark on this thrilling journey, we underscore the importance of working together globally to ensure that space is used for the benefit of all humankind.” He noted that Cyprus has already made advancements, particularly in areas such as communications, satellites, and earth observation.
As the world moves further into the space age, Damianou stressed the importance of collaboration across disciplines and borders, stating that space exploration should be central to efforts aimed at diversifying economies and creating long-term value for future generations.
James O’Brien, the United States’ Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, was present during the signing and reaffirmed the commitment between the US and Cyprus to work together in space, noting that both countries share a dedication to expanding opportunities in education and scientific research.
NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free also celebrated the moment, describing this period as the “golden age of space.” He emphasized the significance of international cooperation in upcoming lunar missions and the responsibility to preserve space for future generations.
The Artemis Accords, which were spearheaded by the United States, build on existing international space law, particularly the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. With Cyprus’ participation, the accords now have 46 signatories, including countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, India, and Greece.
Source: Cyprus Mail