MINSK. Nov 11 (Interfax) - Belarus is hoping to become a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in December.
"Beginning from next year, Belarus will be a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. An appropriate resolution is expected to be adopted in December. Belarus will be actively involved in the solution of vital political and legal issues relating to space," Sergei Chernikov, an official with the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, told reporters on Monday.
Chernikov is now participating in the UN conference on the use of space technologies for the socioeconomic development of countries.
Sergei Ablameiko, rector of Belarusian State University, in turn, said membership in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space will help the republic develop its own space program more actively.
"After launching its own satellite in 2012, Belarus became a full-fledged player on the world space field. Work on the communications satellite is now being done. The new national space program, which envisages the creation of new satellites, is being discussed," he said.
Sergei Kilin, chief secretary of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences Presidium, for his part, pointed out that membership in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space will help Belarus develop its relations with the current members of the space powers club.
"This [membership in the committee] will give broad opportunities for communication with the countries that are already members of the space powers club. This applies primarily to information, the possibility of realizing joint projects with other countries, and entering the markets of these countries. In addition, Belarus will be able to train its specialists using various international programs," Kilin said.