The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unanimously won the presidency of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) during the 28th Ordinary General Assembly meeting held in Rabat, Morocco this past week.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, stated that that this victory reflects the Kingdom’s high status in international and regional organizations and its significant role in civil aviation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Al-Jasser expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their support of the civil aviation sector. He emphasized the importance of enhancing joint Arab efforts in the air transport industry to achieve the highest safety standards.
As a founding member of ACAO, Saudi Arabia has consistently supported the organization’s goals and participated in its Executive Council and Technical Committees. The Kingdom hosts the regional headquarters for safety oversight and the cooperative aviation security program for Middle Eastern countries. It also supports the International Civil Aviation Organization’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative with $1 million.
Al-Jasser affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to developing and supporting ACAO and enhancing its international role, while cooperating with Arab and international partners to promote the aviation industry.
Saudi Arabia is one of the founders of ACAO, a specialized Arab organization affiliated to the Arab League, which aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Arab countries in the field of civil aviation and its development.
ACAO was established on February 7, 1996, when its Agreement came into force. Its first General Assembly was held on 5th June 1996. 22 States have ratified the Convention.
The objectives and goals of the Organization are to provide the civil aviation authorities of the Member States with a framework for joint action to:
- Implement a general plan for civil aviation among Arab countries in order to develop and secure its safety
- Promote the necessary cooperation and coordination among Member States in the field of civil aviation and to lay the foundations for this in a uniform approach
Develop and advance Arab civil aviation in a manner that responds to the needs of the Arab nation for a safe, secure and orderly air transport.
