High-level Meeting of CAA's Directors-General and CEOs Begins

Doha, May 26 (QNA) - The high-level meeting of the Directors-General and CEOs of the civil aviation authorities (CAA) in the Middle East opened today in Doha. The meeting followed the third Middle East aviation safety summit, which was organized over two days and hosted by General Authority of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the regional office of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It was attended by representatives of civil aviation authorities from 12 regional countries and a number of regional and international organizations and stakeholders in the aviation industry. Opening the meeting, HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti expressed his pleasure at hosting the meeting, which, he said, is one of the most important events held in the region as it aims to discuss key issues, developments and plans related to the aviation industry. His Excellency stressed that the meeting provides an opportunity for decision-makers and officials of the civil aviation sector in the region to meet and share experiences and new ideas, pointing to an increase in regular air flights in the Middle East region over the past decade, while expressing his satisfaction at the statistics issued in this regard which clearly showed that the robust economic performance in the region is expected to continue. Despite the rapid developments in the civil aviation sector, this industry is facing major challenges at the top of which are those related to safety and security of civil aviation, he said. His Excellency hailed the third Middle East aviation safety summit as it constituted an important forum for the exchange of experiences and expertise between states, international and regional organizations, aviation safety partners, service providers and stakeholders in the aviation industry. HE the Minister added that improving global aviation safety is essential to ensure the effectiveness of air transport sector in advancing sustainable economic and social development in all parts of the world. The meeting reviewed the current status of aviation safety in the region and challenges facing it. It also reviewed a report on the outcomes of the third Middle East aviation safety summit and the application of safety strategy which is part of the Global Plan for Aviation Safety. The meeting stressed the importance of implementing the Doha Declaration which was approved during the third meeting of directors of civil aviation authorities in the Middle East region last year. (QNA)