Cooperation towards enhancing safety, security, and sustainability of Iraq's aviation sector was the focus of recent meetings between ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar (pictured left) and the President of Iraq, Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid (pictured right); the Prime Minister of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani; and the First Deputy of the Council of Representatives of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Mohsen Al-Mandalawi.
These conversations focussed specifically on the implementation of ICAO standards and recommended practices, alignment with ICAO's global aviation safety, security, and air navigation plans, and regulatory reform around ICAO's other guidance materials.
Mr. Salazar also reviewed these matters with the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faeq Zaidan, and the President of the Federal Supreme Court, H.E. Judge Jassim Muhammad Abboud.
The Secretary General was accompanied throughout his mission by the President of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), H.E. Imad Abdul Razzaq Al-Asadi, and an ICAO delegation comprised of Mr. Jorge Vargas, Director of the ICAO Technical Cooperation Bureau; Mr. Mohamed Abu Baker Farea, ICAO Regional Director for the Middle East Region; and ICAO's Aviation Security Officer for the region, Mr. Hussain Qabbani.
Heightening the existing cooperation between the ICAA and ICAO was a point of particular interest, with discussions addressing the provision of international experts in aerodrome certification, flight safety inspection, and airport development, the development of human resources, and the procurement of the latest technologies to support the expansion of the country's aviation sector.
The Secretary General's mission to Iraq took place from 26 February to 1 March 2023. It encompassed a reception at the Presidential Palace of Iraq, where the Secretary General's meeting with the President took place, and visits to both the Baghdad International Airport and ICAA facilities.
