In a significant move to reinforce Middle Eastern aviation capabilities and underscore Cairo’s pivotal role on the global stage, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have committed to intensified cooperation. This renewed agreement solidifies Egypt’s unwavering dedication to advancing air transport and its crucial contributions to worldwide economic prosperity.

Cairo’s Enduring Leadership in Air Transport Reaffirmed

His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi graciously hosted Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar in Cairo on 19 April 2026. The high-level discussions, attended by Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, H.E. Sameh El-Hefny, and Mr. Mohamed Rahma, Director of ICAO’s Air Transport Bureau, centered on bolstering Egypt’s leadership in air transport and aviation’s indispensable role in global economic development.

Praise for Egypt’s Steadfastness Amidst Regional Challenges

Secretary General Salazar lauded Egypt’s exemplary leadership during a recent regional airspace crisis. He specifically highlighted the nation’s swift and decisive action to maintain open airspace and keep its airports on high alert, ensuring continuity and safety. Salazar commended the Civil Aviation Ministry’s expert handling of diverted flights, emphasizing that Egypt’s robust support for airlines and passengers was instrumental in guaranteeing the safe and orderly flow of air traffic during an unprecedented disruption. This proactive stance, he noted, served as a beacon of stability in challenging times.

Furthermore, Salazar expressed ICAO’s profound appreciation for the continuous communication and close cooperation demonstrated by Egyptian authorities, affirming that this strategic partnership was crucial in averting a broader operational crisis across the region.

Egypt’s Vision for Aviation-Driven Economic Growth

President El-Sisi acknowledged ICAO’s global leadership in fostering civil aviation and reiterated Egypt’s steadfast commitment to driving economic growth through the strategic development of its air transport sector. He underscored Egypt’s ongoing efforts in modernizing infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and service quality, and expanding capacity to meet the escalating demands of air traffic. Secretary General Salazar reaffirmed ICAO’s full support for these ambitious national endeavors, recognizing their regional and global significance.

A Legacy of Cooperation: Renewing the Cairo Regional Office Agreement

Both parties underscored the deep-rooted and extensive cooperation between Egypt and ICAO, spanning both bilateral and regional dimensions. This long-standing partnership is particularly significant given Egypt’s role as the esteemed host of the ICAO Regional Office in Cairo since 1953. In a ceremony marking this enduring alliance, Minister El-Hefny and Secretary General Salazar formally renewed these crucial hosting arrangements, signing an agreement in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

The renewal of this agreement stands as a testament to ICAO’s unwavering confidence in Egypt’s advanced aviation infrastructure and its consistent, invaluable contributions to civil aviation at both regional and global levels. Following the signing, Secretary General Salazar and Minister El-Hefny reviewed various implementation support and capacity-building programs spearheaded by the Regional Office, exploring avenues to further enhance integrated and efficient air transport across the entire region.