IRAN SIGNS SATELLITE ACCORD WITH CHINA
IMRA ^ | December 4, 2004 | MENL
 

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran has signed a satellite cooperation accord with China in what could accelerate Teheran's intermediate- and long-range missile programs.

The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding meant to improve aerospace and satellite cooperation. Under the MoU, China would exchange expertise in the area of satellites and aerospace technology and sciences.

The official Iranian news agency, Irna, reported that the MoU was signed in Beijing on Nov. 30. The agency said the accord -- signed by Iranian Space Agency director Hassan Shafti and Chinese National Space Agency director Lae-on Soon -- was meant to consolidate bilateral cooperation in the field of aerospace technology and sciences.

"Under the MoU, the two sides are to use aerospace technology for peaceful purposes, particularly telecommunication and research satellites," Irna said.