At a bilateral meeting that took place on 25 March 2017, the President of Malawi, H.E. Professor Peter Mutharika, and the President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, concurred on the crucial importance of air transport to national economic development and the key role that ICAO compliance must play in States’ aviation development strategies.
H.E. Professor Mutharika highlighted Malawi’s commitment to meeting its obligations under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, notably through the support and resourcing of State oversight systems and certification of the country’s international airports. He also drew attention to the construction of three new airports as evidence of the country’s drive to promote tourism through expanded air transport capacity.
These remarks were welcomed by Dr. Aliu, who highlighted the need to ensure the provision of adequate resources for safety and security oversight, as well as investments in air navigation and airport infrastructure. Dr. Aliu also noted the important benefits which Malawi could derive by liberalizing its air transport sector further, notably in terms of increased traffic and connectivity.
The two leaders concluded their meeting by stressing the value of future cooperation and assistance through ICAO.
Dr. Aliu was accompanied on his mission by Mr. Raphael Bokango, Tanzania’s Representative on the ICAO Council and Representative of the South African Development Community (SADC) States, Ms. Iyabo O. Sosina, the Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and Mr. Barry Kashambo, the Regional Director of ICAO’s Eastern and Southern African Office (ESAF).
