New lunar research agreements signal future for global space cooperation: experts

China celebrated its ninth Space Day with an opening ceremony themed "Cooperation In Exploring The Stars" in Wuhan, capital city of ventral China's Hubei Province, unveiling initiatives for international collaboration in space exploration, signing crucial agreements with new partners, and fostering hopes for bright future of global cooperation in space.

During the opening ceremony, China's National Space Administration (CNSA) revealed a range of initiatives aimed at boosting international cooperation in space exploration. Key announcements included plans for the Chang'e-7 lunar probe mission and details regarding the international payload.

The spacecraft will carry six payloads from six countries and an international organization, namely, Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Thailand and the International Lunar Observatory Association.

The ceremony also saw the signing of several significant agreements, as the International Lunar Research Station welcomed a collaborating country and two organizations: Nicaragua, the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, and the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Science.

"The agreement will give us a big chance now to make the cooperation with China in general and also with 18 Arab countries," said Awni Mohammad Khasawneh, Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Science.

The Space Day event also included captivating performances, an awards ceremony, and the recognition of three ambassadors for China's Space Industry of 2024.

Adding to the excitement, children's artwork depicting space themes was presented as gifts to ambassadors from 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Government officials, aerospace experts, and representatives from over 50 countries attending the ceremony, all united in their high hopes and sincere commitment to shaping the future of space exploration.

"I think the future is bright and I think collaboration has got to be at the heart of the future. China, with signing so many agreements with new partners, (is) celebrating cooperation with so many countries from around the world. It's a great thing to celebrate. We need more of this in the world between many more partners as well," said Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

In 2016, China designated April 24 as Space Day to commemorate the launch of its first satellite into space in 1970. Since then, China's Space Day has evolved into a platform for engaging with the global community and promoting international cooperation in the space sector. With these recent announcements, China's space industry is poised to enhance collaboration on the international stage.

New lunar research agreements signal future for global space cooperation: experts

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Paris on Sunday for a state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, along with other French high-ranking officials, warmly received Xi at the Paris Orly Airport.

Xi noted in a written speech upon arrival that it is a great pleasure to begin his third state visit to the French Republic and celebrate the 60th anniversary of China-France ties with French people.

Xi said as important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have a long history of mutual appreciation and admiration.

He also noted that 60 years ago, the two countries broke through Cold War blocs and established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, and in the 60 years since, bilateral relations have always stayed abreast of China's relations with Western countries.

Xi pointed out that the development of China-France relations has not only brought benefits to the two peoples, but also injected stability and positive energy into the turbulent world.

The Chinese president said he will have in-depth exchange of views with his French counterpart on the development of China-France relations and China-EU relations under new circumstances, as well as current major international and regional issues.

Xi said he looks forward to consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhancing political mutual trust, building strategic consensus and deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields with France.

Xi's entourage includes his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister.

Xi was also greeted by Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye at the airport.

On its way to the hotel, Xi's motorcade received a warm welcome by the local Chinese community, with people waving Chinese and French flags and holding banners hailing China-France friendship.

Xi arrives in Paris for state visit to France