The European Union (EU) on Monday approved a cooperation agreement between the 15-nation bloc and China on Galileo, the Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) developed by the EU.

The official signature will take place during the EU-China summit on Oct. 30, 2003, said a press release issued by the EU executive European Commission (EC).

"This is a very important step ahead which shows the high level of confidence created by GALILEO throughout the world. The partnership with China is a good news and paves the way for future other bilateral and regional agreements which are of mutual benefit" said Loyola de Palacio, EC vice-president in charge of Transport and Energy.

This agreement provides for co-operative activities on satellite navigation in a wide range of sectors, notably science and technology, industrial manufacturing, service and market development.

It also opens the way for China to invest around 200 million euros (about US$230 million) in the program through a stake-holding in the GALILEO Joint Undertaking, the body established to manage the program.

Galileo, scheduled to be operational by 2008, is designed to encircle the globe with 30 satellites in medium Earth orbit, comprising 27 operational satellites and three reserves, plus two control centers on the ground.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2003)