Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona says Zimbabwe will continue collaborating with other international stakeholders in the aviation industry to improve efficiency and safety in the sector.
He made the remarks in his address at the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, Canada, on Tuesday.
The minister congratulated ICAO Council president Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano on his election as the president of the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and assured him of the country’s full support.
“My heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the exemplary leadership of the ICAO Council President and Secretary General for their visionary leadership and commendable work, which has transformed ICAO into an organisation fit for purpose.
“Mr President, we wish to express our profound gratitude for the opportunity afforded to Zimbabwe to serve as a member of the ICAO Council during the concluding triennium. It was both a privilege and a valuable learning experience,” he said.
Minister Mhona said the role provided Zimbabwe with a deeper understanding of global aviation challenges and allowed the country to contribute meaningfully to the Council’s important work.
“We remain fully committed to the principles and objectives of ICAO and look forward to continued constructive engagement with all Member States.”
Minister Mhona added that in line with the Long Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG), Zimbabwe was dedicated to reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
Zimbabwe, he said, has submitted a State Action Plan (SAP) aimed at carbon emission reduction and is actively participating in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Additionally, Zimbabwe is a recipient of the ICAO
Assistance, Capacity-Building, and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels Programme (ACT-SAF).
“Under the wise leadership of our President, His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe adopted the Vision 2030 towards attaining an Upper Middle-Income Economy and the National Development Strategies 1 and 2 (NDS1 and
NDS2) as a blueprint for its economic development.
“This national blueprint, prioritises and accelerates the completion of infrastructural projects with a substantial investment having been channelled towards the rehabilitation and upgrading of international airports, improving airspace management, and
enhancing safety and security,” added Minister Mhona.
