Washington – “An important international agreement between the Italian Government and the United States, aimed at promoting cooperation between ASI and NASA, concerns the exploration and utilization of outer space for peaceful purposes. The agreement facilitates the exchange of information and data, and facilitates Italian procedures, as the ASI agency cannot commit except under an agreement between the two Governments. Therefore, cooperation begins as a general legal framework in which to place the working arrangements between the agencies, without having to resort to verbal exchanges of notes between the respective parties.” President Maurizio Bernardo, VI Finance Committee of the Chamber, explained the reasons behind the agreement signed between Italy and the United States. The new treaty will coincide with the 50th anniversary since the start of cooperation in space between the two countries. “The agreement – concluded Bernardo – won’t lead to any direct economic burden on the state budget.” (9Colonne)