Egypt, South Sudan Boost Civil Aviation Cooperation

A man waves South Sudan's national flag as he attends the Independence Day celebrations in the capital Juba, July 9, 2011, Reuters

Egypt and South Sudan have strengthened their cooperation in the field of civil aviation. The Egyptian cabinet said that the development is part of a wider framework ordered by the country’s leadership.

Accentuating Egypt's pioneering and strategic role in the African continent, the framework is focused on strengthening ties and cooperation relations with both neighboring and African countries by establishing economic partnerships in various fields.

The arrangement between Egypt and South Sudan highlights the commitment of the former’s Civil Aviation Ministry to providing all means of technical support and transfer of expertise to African countries in the aviation sector.

A high-level Egyptian delegation, who visited South Sudan and met with a number of officials, discussed “activating a bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries.”

The establishment of economic partnerships with South Sudan were reviewed. The delegation also went over providing support in the field of training and transfer of expertise through the EgyptAir Training Academy.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Air Cairo and the South Supreme Airlines.

According to the MoU, Air Cairo is entitled to transport rights within and outside South Sudan.

The Egyptian delegation also reviewed starting a joint aircraft maintenance company at the Juba International Airport. Not only will the company offer maintenance work, but it also will benefit from the expertise of EgyptAir's engineers and technicians, who have internationally accredited certificates.

South Sudan civil aviation cadres will also gain the chance of receiving training at the hands of EgyptAir expert committees.

This will raise service and efficiency levels at the Juba International Airport.

Cooperation in the field of legislation and regulation of the civil aviation sector was also reviewed.

The delegation’s visit is a part of a series of visits carried out by Egyptian officials seeking to boost joint cooperation in the African continent.