Presidents of Kazakhstan and ICAO Council agree on ambitious future for air transport

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (right), met with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano in Astana last week, marking the first official visit by ICAO leadership to the Central Asian country. The bilateral meeting underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening international civil aviation cooperation and its efforts to develop an autonomous, modern aviation oversight system in line with global standards.

During the meeting, President Tokayev awarded President Sciacchitano the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), a prestigious State award recognizing his contribution to international collaboration in the aviation sector.

“I am honoured to accept this award and take this opportunity to congratulate Kazakhstan for establishing an autonomous, well resourced and effective civil aviation oversight body, significantly enhancing its safety oversight capabilities,” expressed President Sciacchitano.

During the meeting with the Head of State, the President of the ICAO Council underscored the relevance of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, that was established at ICAO Headquarters last year. The leaders also discussed Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Master Plan, to be developed in partnership with ICAO, which is intended to guide the long-term growth of the national aviation system.

The President’s mission also featured high-level meetings with Kazakhstan’s Prime-Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev as well as the leadership and staff of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK).  Throughout his visit, he was accompanied by ICAO’s European and North Atlantic Regional Office Director Nicolas Rallo and a Delegation from Kazakhstan which included the Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev, Civil Aviation Committee Chairperson Saltanat Tompiyeva and Permanent Representative to ICAO Timur Tlegenov.

“Kazakhstan has achieved remarkable progress in developing its civil aviation system, serving as an excellent example for States in the region and setting high standards across Central Asia, remarked President Sciacchitano. “ICAO remains committed to supporting the continued development of Kazakhstan’s aviation sector as a key member of the global aviation community.”

The President’s visit saw the formal signing of a Management Services Agreement and Project Document between ICAO and Kazakhstan to officially launch the Master Plan’s development. The 25-year strategy is expected to serve as a roadmap for sustainable growth, infrastructure modernization, and alignment with international aviation best practices and Kazakhstan’s National Development Plan.

In Almaty, President Sciacchitano and Director Rallo were recognized by the Civil Aviation Academy with the honorary title of Honorary Professor, highlighting Kazakhstan’s emphasis on education and capacity building in the sector.

In addressing the students of the Civil Aviation Academy, the President highlighted the significant workforce challenges being driven by rapid technological change, a growing focus on sustainability, a shortage of qualified personnel, and the need for greater diversity and inclusivity. He emphasized ICAO’s ‘Next Generation of Aviation Professionals’ programme, which aims to attract young people and early-career professionals at both national and regional levels and reminded students of their critical role in contributing to the social and economic development of the world, connecting people, cultures, and countries.

While in the city, the delegation toured the newly constructed passenger terminal and upgraded Airport Operations Control Center at Almaty International Airport, and held talks on aviation infrastructure development, sustainability, and safety practices. The mission concluded with a meeting with Air Astana President and CEO Peter Foster, focused on Kazakhstan’s evolving role as a regional aviation hub.