Saudi Arabia Concludes Participation In ICAO Assembly With 17 Air Transport Agreements And Enhanced Cooperation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), concluded its participation in the 42nd General Assembly of the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) held in Montreal, Canada. This event took place from September 23 to October 3. The Saudi delegation signed 17 air transport agreements and memoranda of understanding while engaging in 40 bilateral meetings to enhance international aviation cooperation.

These efforts highlight Saudi Arabia's dedication to expanding its global footprint in air transport. The Kingdom aims to establish regulatory frameworks for air traffic, improve aviation safety and security standards, and offer more travel options for passengers. Additionally, the Kingdom submitted 31 working papers addressing various topics related to civil aviation and air transport facilitation at both regional and international levels.

The working papers covered critical areas such as aviation safety and security, airport infrastructure development, passenger transport facilitation, sustainability initiatives, environmental stewardship, carbon emissions reduction, and investment in biofuels and clean technologies. These initiatives align with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.

The ICAO Executive Council has renewed Saudi Arabia's membership for the 2026–2028 term. The Kingdom secured 175 out of 184 votes, maintaining its continuous membership since 1986. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser announced a $1 million donation from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to support ICAO's strategic objectives during the 2025–2028 cycle.

This contribution is dedicated to advancing the "No Country Left Behind" initiative. The initiative aims to assist developing countries in implementing international standards and recommended practices to enhance civil aviation safety and security. ICAO also honoured Saudi Arabia through Mohammed Alfozan, Chairman of the Cooperative Aviation Security Program–Middle East (CASP-MID), recognising his leadership in enhancing regional aviation security capabilities.

Cultural Engagement

Saudi Arabia hosted a reception attended by over 450 participants from various countries. Attendees included representatives from the aviation sector, diplomats, and ICAO member states. The event featured an exhibition showcasing participating entities, traditional handicrafts like weaving and leatherwork, along with performances of Saudi folk music and dance.

A documentary film was also screened during this event. It traced the history and development of civil aviation in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its progress toward becoming a modern aviation powerhouse. This cultural engagement reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international relationships within the aviation community.

The recognition by ICAO underscores Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in supporting global initiatives aimed at strengthening civil aviation security. The Kingdom remains committed to ensuring that "no country is left behind" in these efforts.

With inputs from SPA