ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced the renewal and expansion of an economic memorandum of understanding between the governments of Maryland and South Australia.

The agreement, originally signed in 2019, focuses on collaboration in cybersecurity, small satellites and space. It has now been broadened to include testing ranges, workforce development, and unmanned autonomous vehicles. The partnership will run for three years with the option to be renewed.

“Maryland and South Australia stand united in our shared commitment to innovation, growth, and discovery. We are natural collaborators and dedicated friends,” said Gov. Moore. “This expanded partnership will boost business in Maryland, promote international cooperation, and sharpen our competitiveness. Partnership produces progress, and our administration will continue to focus on strengthening the bonds that link Maryland with our friends around the world.”

The Maryland delegation was led by the Office of International Trade and Investment. The trip aimed to strengthen ties between Maryland businesses and Australian companies, with a view to exploring potential collaborations in a range of areas. The delegation also visited South Australia’s lead government agency for all defense industry matters, the Defence SA.

“South Australia and Maryland share a common interest in defense, space and cyber. We are both national leaders in these fields and it is in our mutual interests that we collaborate together,” said South Australia Premier Peter Mal inaukas. “My core focus of this trip to the United States is to strengthen our state’s preparations for the AUKUS submarine project, with a particular focus on developing the skilled workforce required. This partnership with Maryland will ensure our government and our local businesses have greater access to the expertise in this state. As the home of the Australian Space Agency, it is important for South Australia to forge close links with NASA, the world’s leading aeronautical and space agency.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office