Minister of Science and Technology Ofir Akunis: "Another expression of the strength of Israel's international ties in general - and with the USA in particular"
The Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Science and the Space Florida company ('Space Florida') signed today, May 27, a memorandum of understanding in the field of space. Present at the signing ceremony were the Minister of Science and Technology, MK Ofir Akunis, the Governor of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis, Frank Di Bello, CEO of Spice Florida Company, CEO of the Ministry of Science and Technology Ran Bar, Major General (Res.) Prof. Yitzhak Ben-Israel, Chairman of the Israel Space Agency and Avi Blasberger, Director of the Israel Space Agency.
As part of the agreement, the institutions will work together to establish educational programs to promote science and technology issues in Israel and Florida, and will also work to identify common challenges in the field of space in order to respond through academic and industrial cooperation to climate, agriculture and water challenges.
Science Minister Ofir Akunis: "Israel's cooperation in science, technology and space crosses borders and is increasing worldwide. He is mainly strengthened by the fact that this is our fruitful dialogue with the United States. I congratulate the Honorable Governor Mr. Ron DeSantis and thank him for his visit to Israel and for his support. It is a great privilege, and a great honor to work together with the governor in launching common resources to improve our common future."
The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis: "Today we are launching a partnership that will benefit the space industries of both Florida and Israel. I would like to thank the managers of the Israel Space Agency for partnering in the journey to create opportunities while expanding cooperation and enrichment in the fields of research and education for our students alongside the challenge of bringing the issue of innovation to new heights."
Director of the Space Agency Avi Blasberger: "The great efforts we invested in the past year bore fruit in reaching this special status: the Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Science and Technology and "Space Florida" are willing to work together to map potential areas and establish cooperation to create space exploration missions, scientific research, and innovation. All this while promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics together. This is a big step for the well-being of our communities and our nations."
The cooperation between the Israel Space Agency and the Space Florida company has strengthened a lot in recent years. The CEO of Space Florida this year visited the 2019 Ilan Ramon International Space Conference and even took part in the space entrepreneurship workshop and Space-Lab, both of which took place last January, as part of the Space Week events.
