Celebrating milestones and Egypt's continued support for aviation in the Middle East

In 1953, our Middle Eastern (MID) Regional Office was established in Cairo, Egypt to support the aviation priorities of 15 Member States across the region: Bahrain, Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Tasked with fostering the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency, the MID Office is integral to ensuring that air transport contributes to sustainable economic and social development across the region and beyond.

By closely collaborating with Member States, regional and sub-regional civil aviation bodies, and United Nations agencies, the MID Office works to harmonize the implementation of ICAO’s Strategic Objectives, Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and the Middle East Air Navigation Plan (ANP). Its capacity-building initiatives and technical support help advance a coordinated, high-performance air navigation system that underpins the safe and efficient growth of the global aviation network. The MID Office’s efforts align with ICAO’s ultimate vision: a safe, secure, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable air transport system for the benefit of all.

From 13-16 December 2024, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano and Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar undertook an official mission to Cairo, Egypt. During their visit, they met with the Prime Minister of Egypt, His Excellency Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, who graciously received them at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital and conveyed his congratulations to the organization on the occasion of our 80th anniversary.

ICAO’s delegation also met with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati. Minister Abdel Aati reiterated the country’s support for ICAO and its multilateral initiatives, highlighting Egypt’s long-standing relationship with the organization as host of its Middle East Regional Office since 1953.

Discussions during both meetings with Egypt’s leadership focused on the development of air transport in Egypt and the Middle East, opportunities for Egypt offered by the Single African Air Transport Market, the newly adopted ICAO Strategic Plan and aviation decarbonization.

While in Cairo, Mr. Sciacchitano and Mr. Salazar also participated in the official 80th anniversary celebration organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of Egypt. The event was attended by the Minister of Civil Aviation H.E. Capt. Sameh El Hefny, the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Sherif Fathy, the Regional Director of ICAO’s Middle East (MID) Office, Mr. Mohamed Abu Bakr Farea, the Director of ICAO’s Air Transport Bureau, Mr. Mohamed Rahma, and other senior officials.

Both the President and Secretary General also attended the official inauguration of the newly renovated ICAO MID Office, generously supported by the Government of Egypt, where they had the opportunity to meet and engage in discussions with local staff. The modernization of the facility, supported by the Egyptian government, will enhance ICAO’s regional presence and technical support capabilities.

“This renovation represents a significant investment in our shared aviation future,” said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano during the inauguration. “The enhanced facilities will strengthen our ability to support Member States across the Middle East region.”

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and ICAO Middle East Regional Director Mohamed Abu Baker Farea met with the Minister of Civil Aviation of Egypt, Captain Sameh El Hefny, and the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Egypt, Captain Amr El Sharkawy, to discuss regional cooperation. “Our Middle East Office has played a vital role in advancing regional aviation cooperation ever since it was established. This modernized facility will help us better serve the growing needs of aviation in the region,” Salazar noted. During their mission to Egypt, ICAO’s leaders also joined Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation in celebrating ICAO’s 80th anniversary.

Celebrating milestones and Egypt’s continued support for aviation in the Middle East