YEMEN, US IN TRANSPORT SECURITY STANDARDS TALKS

ABU DHABI, June 01(Saba) - Transport Minister Khalid al-Wazir met
Tuesday with US Minister of Internal Security Ms. Janet Napolitano
on the sidelines of the Regional Civil Aviation Security Forum held
in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

The two officials reviewed cooperation relations between Yemen and
the United States in the field of aviation security, training and
rehabilitation.

They stressed their keenness to continue the implementation of the
necessary standards to deter any illegal penetration of the civil
aviation.

The Yemeni Minister pointed out that his government had taken
precautionary measures to strengthen the security of aviation and
airports, including the introduction of modern inspection equipment.

The US official praised the efforts of Yemen in this area,
confirming her country's readiness to assist Yemen in the field of
aviation security through training and rehabilitating Yemeni cadres
and providing equipment required in this regard.

Later, in the opening session of the Regional Civil Aviation
Security Forum which began its work on Tuesday, Minister al-Wazir
said that Yemen's airports are considered one of the more secure
airports.

He also reviewed the tireless efforts of Yemen to develop the
transport and aviation sector which "represents an important
economic artery for the development of the national economy.

The two-day forum was being attended by ministers in charge of civil
aviation and directors-general of civil aviation authorities.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is organizing the
regional forum in co-operation with the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) in Abu Dhabi.

Under the theme "Civil Aviation Security Threats and Risks", the
forum is discussing a number of issues and topics closely connected
with aviation security through presentations and discussion sessions.

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 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.

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.

YA