Egypt seeks ICAO council seat as strategic discussions take center stage in Rabat
By Mohamed Attia:
Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, actively participated in the 72nd Session of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) and the ICAO Extraordinary General Assembly held in Rabat. The high-level meeting, attended by ministers and heads of civil aviation authorities from across the Arab world, underscored the critical need for unified Arab action in the face of evolving international challenges within the aviation sector. Pilot Amr El-Sharkawy, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, accompanied the Minister.
Dr. El-Hefny emphasized Egypt’s firm commitment to bolstering joint Arab efforts in aviation, recognizing it as a cornerstone for navigating the increasingly complex global landscape. “Strengthening Arab presence in international forums is a strategic necessity to ensure our common interests,” stated Minister El-Hefny.
A key focus of the discussions was the crucial importance of coordinating positions among ACAO member states in preparation for the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly meetings scheduled for September. This strategic alignment aims to ensure robust and effective representation of Arab perspectives and to enhance opportunities for Arab nations, particularly Egypt, to secure a coveted seat on the ICAO Council.
Minister El-Hefny also highlighted the vital role of these gatherings in advancing civil aviation legislation and infrastructure to meet evolving global standards. He stressed that enhanced Arab cooperation, especially in the critical areas of air safety and security through the exchange of expertise and intensified technical and training collaboration, has become an urgent imperative.
Furthermore, Dr. El-Hefny underscored the necessity of greater integration among member states to guarantee the continuity of essential aviation services while upholding the highest safety and security protocols, particularly in light of the rapid regional and international shifts impacting air traffic within the region.
The meetings featured extensive deliberations on significant strategic issues geared towards developing the civil aviation sector across the Arab region and fostering greater coordination and integration among member states. Discussions also centered on advancing infrastructure and legislative frameworks in alignment with international standards and the dynamic global developments within this vital industry.
Regional and international challenges confronting the aviation sector in the Arab world were also addressed, emphasizing the importance of building the capacity of member states to adapt to rapid transformations. A significant portion of the discussions was dedicated to bolstering Arab representation within international civil aviation organizations and addressing Arab nominations for the ICAO Council elections, with strong support voiced for Egypt’s candidacy. This support reflects Egypt’s prominent standing within the regional and international civil aviation landscape.
A notable development during the session was the decision to expand the membership of the ACAO’s Executive Council from nine to eleven members. This strategic move aims to foster greater inclusiveness and broaden the base of representation and cooperation among member states.
