On 7th July 2016 top officials from the International Civil Aviation Organization, Civil Aviation Authorities from the European and North Atlantic Regions of ICAO as well as from primary aviation International Organizations gathered together to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the ICAO European and North Atlantic Office.
The ceremony was attended by the President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, and the Secretary General of ICAO, Dr. Fang Liu, whose presence highlighted the importance of the outcomes and the proposals put forward during the meeting.
Many speakers and participants highlighted the outstanding contributions from the ICAO Paris Office to the enhancement of Safety, Security and Efficiency, at the regional and global level. “I am grateful for the Paris Office significant effort under Mr. Almeida’s leadership, to increase its service commitment bringing greater value to the many States it is accredited to, and especially to those who particularly depend upon ICAO,” said the President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu.
“I praise the pioneering role taken by the European and North Atlantic Office so far in proposing solutions even at a global level and I hope they will continue to do so in the future” said the Secretary General of ICAO, Dr. Fang Liu, at the ceremony.
During this event, which was chaired by Mr. Patrick Gandil, Director General of Civil Aviation of France, ICAO proposed new working methods, allowing, inter alia, the Directors General of Civil Aviation from the EUR and NAT Regions to meet regularly to verify whether the strategic institutional inputs given at a State level were being adequately reflected in the technical provisions. This new working method was welcomed by the audience.
At the proceedings of the morning session’s celebration, which was reserved for the Directors General of Civil Aviation and top officials from the most prominent International Organizations, the Chairpersons of the four (4) major ICAO EUR/NAT working groups highlighted some of the greatest achievements over the last 70 years, accomplished thanks to the continuous support from the ICAO Paris Office.
The participants to the ceremony highlighted the high professionalism, pioneering contributions and support received from the ICAO EUR/ NAT staff over the years. Both ICAO top officials and the other speakers present at the ceremony expressed their gratitude to France for hosting the ICAO Regional Office over the last 70 years and enabling this important and significant celebration.