Rabat - The Arab Civil Aviation Organization called on Arab member states to implement measures to confront the emerging corona virus pandemic and mechanisms for restart and recovery of the civil aviation sector, and urged Arab countries to lift travel restrictions, taking into account the various risk-based guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, during the 26th Ordinary General Assembly of the organization held in Rabat on 1 and 2 July in Rabat, which was chaired by the Lebanese Republic, with the participation of a group of high-ranking officials from Arab countries and regional and international organizations.
Its final statement on the occasion, was based on the charter of the League of Arab States and the pivotal role it aspired to, especially in encouraging Arab-Arab cooperation through a group of specialized organizations established at various levels within and outside the framework of the League. It emphasized the main role for which the Arab Civil Aviation Organization was established, as a specialized Arab organization within the League of Arab States aiming at strengthening cooperation and coordination between Arab countries in the field of civil aviation and its development, while laying the foundations for this to its standardization, and responding to the needs of the Arab nation in terms of safe, sound and regular air transport.
The same statement added, that the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, "Reaffirming the commitment of member states to the principles and objectives enshrined in the agreement establishing the organization and its strategic plan, in particular the relevant roles aimed at strengthening and reinforcing the bonds of unity and solidarity among member states, while defending their public interests and ensuring coordination actions between them and with international organizations and regional blocs.
The organization added that "guided by the values of unity and brotherhood promoted by our religion, and stressing the necessity of strengthening and consolidating the bonds of unity and solidarity among Member States to secure their common interests in the international arena, and deeply concerned by the epidemic caused by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that affected until now, all countries and regions of the world have with its devastating effects at the global level, posing unprecedented challenges, and expressing their full and deep sympathy towards the loss of human lives caused by the pandemic, and the negative effects it has caused on all economic sectors, especially the air transport sector in the Arab world.”
The statement concluded that, after the General Assembly carefully reviewed the current alarming situation at the global level, and in particular, the situation in the member states of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization as a result of the spread of the new Corona virus and the efforts made to address it:
Acknowledged that the emerging coronavirus pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to the member states of the organization and to the world at large, it has called for immediate and decisive measures at the level of the organization and at the national, regional and international levels to protect the sector.
Emphasizes the importance of the civil aviation sector in achieving the sustainable development goals as defined by the United Nations.
Recognizes that no country alone can address the multifaceted effects and challenges posed by the novel coronavirus pandemic
Commends the tireless efforts made by Arab countries at the level of the various sectors involved in confronting this pandemic, with an emphasis on the necessity to pursue these efforts.
Calls upon the Arab countries to continue to communicate and coordinate with the relevant health authorities to generalize the criteria on which their travel procedures are based in order to face the COVID19 pandemic, taking into account the CART guidelines, while working on the mutual recognition of health certificates with other countries and/or groups of countries.
Urges the lifting of travel restrictions, taking into account the various risk-based guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, regarding health measures related to international traffic, including clear recommendations on testing or vaccination approaches while avoiding quarantine measures for travelers, taking into account recent developments in terms of the dissemination of COVID-19 vaccines and immunity achieved from previous infection.
Calls for entering into direct talks with the states or Unions of states in order to reach a mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.
Requires reliance on public health corridors as a temporary solution for countries that agree on mutual standards of travel and health measures, yet air services operations between those countries should be based on existing agreed air transportation arrangements.
It requests that the statement issued by it be referred to the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in order to kindly submit it to all relevant Arab ministerial councils (transport, tourism and health).
For more details: Final statement Link