Malacañan Palace
October 14, 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III received Secretary General Raymond Benjamin of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) together with Mokhtar Awan, Regional Director ICAO Asia and Pacific Office, in Malacañang.

The high ranking officials of the United Nations body that sets international aviation standards are in the country to meet with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in order to discuss the ongoing modernization of Communication, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system and the development of the Philippine air transport system.

The courtesy call came at an opportune time as the administration of President Aquino is keen on the development of the tourism industry which is one of the main contributors to the country’s economy. Furthermore, the President continues to pursue the open skies policy by opening its international gateway and upgrading of its facilities and air services through international agreements with neighbouring countries.

ICAO is the regulatory body that sets standards and regulations for aviation safety and security while ensuring the efficiency of aviation and environmental protection. It is also the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation.

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