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During the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held from September 23 to October 3 in Montreal, Canada, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a series of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding with 17 countries. These agreements reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its global presence in aviation and air transport, while establishing regulatory frameworks for air traffic, enhancing safety and security standards, and expanding travel options for passengers.

The agreements aim to boost bilateral cooperation in air transport, develop regulatory and legislative frameworks for civil aviation, increase international air connectivity, and reinforce aviation safety and security. They also support economic and tourism development between the Kingdom and its partners.

Among the signings, H.E. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), signed bilateral air transport agreements with Antigua and Barbuda and South Africa. These agreements are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to develop its air transport system and position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub — a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030.

As part of the Assembly’s agenda, H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to promote technical cooperation in infrastructure operations, modernization, and development. The agreement also includes the exchange of expertise and best practices based on mutual benefit and in accordance with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia and AFCAC member states. In his capacity as President of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, Al-Duailej also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Arab Civil Aviation Organization and AFCAC to enhance regional collaboration and support civil aviation development across both regions.

Additionally, Al-Duailej signed operational and cooperative memoranda of understanding and bilateral agreements with Brazil, Algeria, Belarus, Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Liberia, Georgia, the Union of the Comoros, and Seychelles. These agreements aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and modernize air transport cooperation in line with the legal and regulatory frameworks of each country.

Further agreements were signed with Lithuania, China, Finland, Latvia, and Saint Lucia. Representing GACA in these signings was Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation.

These agreements contribute to the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Program, expanding the operational network of national carriers and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. They also support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to connect with 250 international destinations and transport 330 million passengers annually by 2030 — in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.