Nauru is the newest member of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO).

PASO, based in Port Vila, Vanuatu, is an international regional organisation set up under the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty (PICASST).

PASO is responsible to its members for regional aviation safety oversight, including airport and airline operational safety and security standards.

Addressing the PASO Council meeting held recently in Canberra, Australia, Nauru's Minister for Health, Transport, Telecommunications and Sports, Hon. Dr Kieren Keke, said becoming a member of PASO symbolises a significant milestone in Nauru's commitment to regionalism.

"This is an important means of sharing experiences, expertise and resources in our common pursuit to streamline and progress aviation safety and oversight services in our island nations," said Minister Keke.

"We anticipate many benefits from our membership, should we move forward in a vigilant and considered manner."

PASO's core set of responsibilities include flying operations, airworthiness, security, airports and personnel licensing for these disciplines. PASO also seeks to reduce the cost for safety oversight, while ensuring members meet international standards and obligations.

Minister Keke added: "As we strive to support each other's efforts to jointly achieve PASO's objectives, it goes without saying that our individual nation's varied needs and requirements must be carefully considered throughout this important process."

Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Greg Urwin, says the Forum remains dedicated to assisting PASO grow and develop.

"This regional initiative is proving to be a valuable undertaking," remarks Mr Urwin. "Nauru becoming a member of PASO further demonstrates the demand for active participation by Pacific Island Countries in the direction that aviation safety oversight takes in the region."

Current PASO members are Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

PASO is governed by a Council of Directors comprising of representatives from each PASO member country, as well as invited observers, which include the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Forum Secretariat, 03/07/07.