The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will organise the regional civil aviation security forum in co-operation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

The two-day Middle East Regional Civil Aviation Security Forum will be opened by Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and chairman of GCAA at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel.

To be held under the theme "Civil Aviation Security Threats and Risks", the forum will discuss a number of issues and topics closely connected with aviation security through presentations and discussion sessions.

The event is being attended by ministers in charge of civil aviation and directors-general of civil aviation authorities, who will discuss and adopt consistent and compatible strategies to address the challenges and threats to civil aviation.

The Forum is expected to issue "Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration", setting a global strategy and key principles and standards to deal with aviation security challenges.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general, GCAA, said: "Civil aviation security has become one of the most vital issues in relation to the global aviation industry due to the increasing threats and risks to this sector and the significant advances in methods of penetrating the security of airports and aviation around the world."

"This necessitates more co-ordination and co-operation between all authorities and bodies in charge of aviation security to set new mechanisms, means and legislations to address the threats and challenges facing the whole world in this field," he remarked.

"This Forum is expected to establish new principles and standards in aviation security, which will allow more communication and co-ordination in this respect and enhance our ability to deal with potential threats," Al Suwaidi added.

Industry experts such as Janet Napolitano, secretary of US department of Homeland Security, Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety Canada, and Patricia Reverdy, ECAC deputy executive secretary will be the key speakers.
 
The first day topics revolve around best practices of airport and aviation security in addition to a private session dealing with the harmonization of legislations with international and local standards of civil aviation security.

On the second day, the forum will discuss enhancement of electronic control methods, threats and risks to civil aviation security, and the concept of the regional co-operation program for aviation security.

At its conclusion, the forum is expected to issue "Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration" for aviation security, which will contribute to increasing co-operation and co-ordination among member states of ICAO and enhancing their ability to provide highest levels of aviation security, Al Suwaidi said.-TradeArabia News Service