Global Aerospace Summit focuses on collaboration

Mohammed Ahmad Al Bowardi, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs. - File photo

Collaboration and coordination are the need of the hour as the world adapts and responds to the new challenges and opportunities in aerospace, space, defence and aviation sectors, ministers and decision makers said.
Mohammed Ahmad Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, in his keynote address of the two-day Global Aerospace Summit, stressed on partnerships to tackle challenges.
"Despite the development of digital, technological and creative capabilities to solve various problems of the 21st century, including economic, social and security challenges, yet regional and international problems, turmoil and tensions are escalating as a result of the global population explosion. Along with the decline in natural resources, border disputes and ideological differences, which poses a security threat for the human society as a whole. So, we believe that collaborating with friendly countries and international partners to face various challenges with the aim of achieving security, stability and peace has become the necessity and urgent requirement," the minister told industry leaders.

'Cannot afford disputes'
Al Bowardi pointed out conflicts among partners will lead to economic loss and lack of stability.
"Collaborations and coordination between countries for the establishment of strategic partnership and launching economic and industrial projects, especially in the field of aerospace industry requires working to ensure compatibility of countries national policies, aligning with the strategic objectives of strategic partners and achieving harmony among them. The investments in these sectors cannot afford disputes or conflicts among the partners," Al Bowardi said.
"Collaboration in the field of aviation and defence industries, doesn't only contribute in the development of our local economies and unify our future visions but it also is also essential for establishing security and stability for our countries and contributing in achieving desirable global peace and prosperity," Al Bowardi added.
Ahmad Al Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Saudi Arabia, underlined the need for regional integration, which creates economic strength, growth and stability.
"Factors such as history, location and national resources have enabled the region to remain key for the three continents that it covers and hold significant strategic importance. At the same time, the region faces certain challenges in terms of security and strategy thereby acting as a catalyst for the countries within the region to strive for greater unity for our nations, institutions and collective directions."    

'Focus is on partnerships'
Highlighting the benefits of successful cooperation and partnership, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and Chairperson, UAE Space Agency, termed the Emirates Mars Mission as a "global project", which has enhanced the UAE's space capabilities.
"The Emirates Mars Mission has been a global endeavour. It has fast tracked our capabilities and will foster the growth of our space ecosystem, position the UAE as a pioneering country, and produce value through integrating science and technology," Sarah said.
"We will look to enhance our existing partnerships and foster the development of new private partnerships, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the space sector."
In the two-day summit, industry leaders will address recovery of aviation and future sector growth.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com