Unofficial Translation by AACO
As we celebrate the Arab Civil Aviation Day today, please allow me to extend my warmest congratulations and sincerest gratitude to all stakeholders in the Arab civil aviation sector for their relentless efforts which resulted in tangible results for this vital sector, and contributed to connecting Arab countries.
This day presents an excellent opportunity for us to explore the different means to achieve growth for the Arab air transport sector and to strengthen its connections regionally and internationally, for it is a vital sector that has long played a fundamental role in achieving our developmental targets in the Arab world, and in accelerating the integration of different Arab economies together and connect them with the global market.
As a result of increased inoculation rates and a gradual easing of biosafety measures at airports, we are witnessing a strong revival of Arab civil aviation activities despite the ongoing challenges imposed by COVID-19. In this regard, I wish to commend the various Arab governments for their efforts in mitigating the health risks of COVID-19 and containing its outbreak.
I also wish to commend the Arab Civil Aviation Organization for its constant efforts to speed up the recovery of the industry, particularly in relation to the resolutions of its 26th General Assembly which called for establishing direct communication with countries and organizations for the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccine certificates.
In this regard, and as part of the Arab collective efforts to alleviate the economic and social impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the Arab Civil Aviation Organization along with the Arab Tourism Organization and the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization formed a regional team that brought together representatives from those organizations as well as representatives from different industry stakeholders to look into a series of procedures and action plans to help in the recovery of Arab tourism. I look forward to the support of Arab countries to these initiatives and their implementation.