On the sidelines of the triennial Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Morocco and The Gambia formalized a new bilateral agreement in the aviation sector. This agreement aims to modernize their existing legal framework, aligning with the pan-African momentum toward liberalizing the continent’s skies.
A Partnership Aligned with International Standards
Both nations took advantage of the 42nd ICAO Assembly to strengthen their collaboration. The signed agreement updates the rules governing civil aviation services between Rabat and Banjul, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the strictest safety standards.
The new text covers several key areas:
- Strict compliance with air safety standards.
- Increased cooperation in combating unlawful threats.
- The establishment of clear mechanisms for dispute resolution.
In addition, the agreement is explicitly aligned with major African Union initiatives, such as the Yamoussoukro Declaration and Agenda 2063, which encourage the liberalization and integration of Africa’s aviation market.
Prospects and Strategic Commitments
Gambian Minister of Transport Ebrima Sillah described the signing as a major step forward in bilateral relations. He emphasized that both countries are committed to working together in support of ICAO’s strategic objectives, the organization that sets global civil aviation policy for its 193 member states.
The Moroccan delegation, led by Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh, also made the most of its stay in Montreal. The visit included several bilateral meetings focused on strengthening technical and operational cooperation with various other states and international organizations, confirming Morocco’s determination to actively expand its aviation partnerships.
