Italian Space Agency signs accord with UAE Space Agency

(refiling with photo).
    (ANSA) - Beirut, January 25 - The Italian Space Agency (ASI) on Monday signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates Space Agency, which focuses on cooperation in the fields of satellite telecommunications, radar observation of Earth and training of students, technicians and engineers, ASI President Roberto Battiston told ANSA.
    Battiston led a delegation to Abu Dhabi, where the agreement was signed, including astronaut Maurizio Cheli and several representatives from aerospace and telecommunications companies.
    The UAE Space Agency's new program includes a project to become, in 2021, the first Arab nation to send a satellite to orbit Mars.