Thirty sixth session of the ICAO

Thirty sixth session of the ICAO [1]

Montreal, Canada

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 14:16. Updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 14:59.

Hon. Paul Karalus meeting the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the International Air Transport Association Mr Giovanni Bisignani.

The Minister for Transport, the Hon. Paul Karalus is presently attending the Thirty Sixth Session of the General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) being held at ICAO headquarters from 18 to 28 September 2007.

The General Assembly is the sovereign body of ICAO. Held every three years, the Assembly attracts Transport Ministers from the 190 States that make up the membership of ICAO as well as prominent members of the aviation community.

The Assembly also reviews the work of ICAO over the past three years and sets future policy parameters. Discussions are expected to address a broad range of international aviation issues and policy matters such as aviation safety and security and the environment (as it relates to emissions trading). It also discusses and votes on its triennial budget.

The Presidency of the Thirty Sixth Session of the Assembly is presently held by Mr. Jeffrey Shane of the United States of America.

Hon. Paul Karalus.

Within the margins of the Assembly, elections will also be held for the membership of the ICAO Council. The Council is the governing body of ICAO and comprises 36 States. It gives directions to the operations of ICAO through agreed Standards and Recommended Practices. The work of the Council is supported by a number of Committees - the Air Navigation Commission (on technical matters), the Air Transport Committee (on economic matters), and the Committee on Joint Support of Air Navigation Services and the Finance Committee.

The Presidency of the Council is presently held by Mr Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez of Mexico.

Tonga has a strong relationship with ICAO and the Organisation has played a strong role over the years in the continuing development of the aviation industry. In December it is anticipated that Tonga will be the subject of an audit by ICAO to assess the level and standard(s) of compliance with international aviation requirements. Such audits are designed to ensure stronger levels of compliance with those requirements as well as identify areas where improvements and further investment may need to be made.

The Minister is accompanied by Mr. Viliami Malolo and the Hon. 'Akau...ola. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 19/09/07.

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