The Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) concluded on Friday the activities of its 26th Ordinary General Assembly session in Rabat by requesting to engage in direct talks with countries or their federations to reach a mutual recognition of the COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
The Organization issued the “Rabat Statement,” which called for relying on public health corridors as a temporary solution for countries that agree on mutual standards for travel and health measures.
It further urged Arab states to generalize standards related to travel procedures in light of the coronavirus pandemic, while working on mutual recognition of health certificates with other states.
“No country alone can address the multifaceted effects and challenges posed by the pandemic,” the statement read, calling for bolstering the bonds of unity and solidarity among member states.
Lebanon chaired the ACAO’s two-day General Assembly session, which was attended by senior officials from Arab countries and regional and international organizations.
The session focused on reviewing plans and programs to address the effects of the pandemic since the aviation sector is one of the most affected.
Participants shared ideas that support the sector and raise its productivity and ability to withstand crises.
The event’s agenda also included electing members of the organization’s executive council and its technical committees, studying its new organizational structure with a job description project, as well as the organization’s general strategic plan for 2020-2022.
The ACAO’s executive council held on Tuesday its 63rd biennial meeting on the effects of the pandemic on air transport and the prospects for an upturn.
The specialized organization, which is affiliated with the Arab League, aims to boost cooperation and coordination among Arab countries in the field of civil aviation, leading to safe, sound and regular air transport.
