24 December 2024

His Excellency, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, chaired the 71st session of the Executive Council today. The session took place in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, in the presence of several ministers and heads of delegations from member states, as well as representatives from the League of Arab States.

In his speech, His Excellency emphasized the important role of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization in supporting the civil aviation sector within the Arab region. He highlighted the organization’s efforts to adopt effective initiatives aimed at enhancing air safety, improving air connectivity, and supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation industry in the region. He called on member states to increase coordination in all areas and to make joint Arab decisions as part of a unified effort. He also urged for more international support and cooperation with regional and global organizations.

His Excellency mentioned in his speech that all members have worked diligently to develop the organization and strengthen its leading role both regionally and internationally. They have focused on enhancing coordination and cooperation with all stakeholders in the Arab civil aviation sector, as well as our international partners. Together, they aim to face the growing challenges of this vital sector, ensuring its sustainability and maintaining its pivotal role in driving economic development, supporting tourism, creating job opportunities, and strengthening trades between countries. These efforts will continue to contribute to fostering growth and prosperity throughout the Arab region.

Mr. Al-Duailej also praised and appreciated the decision to expand the membership of the Executive Council from 9 to 11 members, considering it a significant step that will enhance the participation of Arab countries in making crucial decisions regarding the development of the civil aviation sector and creating overall better cooperation among Arab countries. This is seen as one of the fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable development in the region.

The meeting addressed several organizational, technical, and financial matters, with a follow-up on the recommendations from the 69th session of the Council. The Council also approved the recommendations of the organization’s technical committees, such as the Air Transport, Air Navigation, Air Safety, Aviation Security, Environment, and Media and Corporate Communication Committees. The council also discussed the implementation of the organization's annual activities program and updates in global and Arab air transport trends.

It is worth noting that His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej was elected Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization following the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unanimous victory in the election at the 28th Ordinary General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, held in Rabat last July.

In the elections, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also secured membership in six technical committees, namely Air Transport, Air Navigation, Air Safety, Aviation Security, Environment, and Media and Corporate Communication Committees. Additionally, the Kingdom gained membership in the Financial and Administrative Control Authority.