Mexico receives Cuba's ratification of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency Charter

Mexico receives Cuba's ratification of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency Charter

• Cuba's ratification means that ALCE will be formally established to coordinate space cooperation and promote regional development

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cuban Ambassador to Mexico Marcos Rodríguez Costa today submitted Cuba's ratification instrument for the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE). This completes the eleven ratifications needed for the Agency to take effect.

This ratification marks ALCE's formal establishment. The Agency will coordinate cooperation in space exploration, technology research and their applications. Its goal is to promote sustainable development for the benefit of Latin American and Caribbean societies.

In his remarks, Ambassador Rodríguez stated, "The Agency represents a Latin American effort, rooted in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Cuba's policy consistently supports all initiatives promoting Latin American integration [...] It is of great importance to us that Latin American countries have the opportunity to work together in this endeavor."

He added, "For Cuba, having access to this new resource is crucial for its productive capacity and economy. This Agency can have a significant impact on our agriculture and national development. It will provide valuable resources such as an information system and database."

Daniel Cámara Ávalos, Director General for American Regional Organizations, noted, "ALCE exemplifies regional cooperation and is a flagship project of Mexico's two-year pro tempore presidency of CELAC from 2020-2021."

"ALCE demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal within our region [...] Now begins the truly important work of getting the Agency up and running-an excellent way to start the incoming Administration," he added.

The Agency will harness the technological capabilities of regional countries to drive progress, enhance satellite communications, and improve early warning systems. It will also develop maps identifying climate change-related strengths, opportunities, and risks, while strengthening observation methods to prevent natural disasters and enhance agriculture.

Cuba's ratification joins those of Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Venezuela.

Alejandro Celorio Alcántara, Foreign Ministry Legal Advisor, and Imanol Belausteguigoitia Reyes, Director General for Central America and the Caribbean, also attended the submission ceremony.