Source: Xinhua    Published: 2015-10-27

A declaration on Asia-Pacific space development was approved during a forum on Tuesday, with attendees agreeing to improve peaceful multi-lateral cooperation in outer space.

The forum, held by the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), focused on Asia Pacific space development, which would be boosted by the "Belt and Road" initiative.

According to the declaration, APSCO member countries should further promote the comprehensive cooperative partnership to improve basic space skills, promote a community of sharing, outline quick response strategies and improve industry-driven ability and interconnection.

Space administration officials and aerospace specialists from China, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Mongolia, Peru, Turkey and Indonesia attended the forum.

Xu Dazhe, APSCO`s chairman and also head of the CNSA, said China had signed agreements on space cooperation with 10 countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

China will cooperate with APSCO to promote its remote-sensing satellite services across Southeast Asia, and work with APSCO members to improve Asia Pacific space capacity, Xu added.

The APSCO, established in 1992, is an inter-governmental organization headquartered in Beijing, that aims to improve space cooperation and promote peaceful behavior in outer space.