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العربية

Saudi Arabia to host the 71st Session of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Program Meeting

October 14, 2024

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (CAGA), will host the 71st session of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Program (COSPAS-SARSAT) from October 15 to 24. The meeting will be chaired by Henrik Smith, Head of the Program, and will welcome representatives from 45 countries and organizations, alongside key Saudi government entities such as the General Directorate of Border Guards, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the National Center for Security Operations, the Saudi Space Agency, and the Communications and Space Technology Commission.

The hosting reflects the Kingdom’s active role in the air transport sector and its commitment to satellite search and rescue operations at local, regional and international levels. Saudi Arabia is a pioneer in the region, having been among the first to join the program as a provider of ground sectors.

The meeting, marking the first time it is held outside the headquarters of the program’s General Secretariat or its founding countries (the United States of America, France, Russia and Canada), will discuss several critical topics. Key agenda items include:

- Operational and technical reports concerning the space and ground sectors of the Program.
 
- Updates on emergency locator devices and administrative matters, including the review of previous council decisions and progress reports.
 
- Discussions with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
 
- Presentation of the General Secretariat’s 2023 Annual Report, and review of the Secretariat's work plan for 2025.
 
- Review of the Joint Committee's 38th meeting report (JC-38) and related recommendations. 
 
- Finalization of the program’s documents for approval, and confirmation or amendment of the agenda for future meetings.

During the event, the General Authority of Civil Aviation will showcase the Saudi Search and Rescue Center, operated by the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company. As one of the region’s first centers, it leverages the COSPAS-SARSAT to provide distress signal notifications to relevant government agencies. The center’s services extend beyond the Kingdom, to seven neighboring countries in accordance with the regulations of the international program.

This meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in satellite-based search and rescue efforts, and its ongoing commitment to advancing collaboration in this critical field. 

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