African air chiefs conference kicks off in Ethiopia

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

April 26, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – African air chiefs have gathered in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, for a regional conference to discuss on ways of improving air safety, cooperation and to advise on challenges affecting the African continent.

Hosted by US Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA), the three day meeting from 26 to 28 April 2011 brought together some 150 participants, including around 27 African air chiefs and representatives.

At the opening ceremony launched today at the luxurious Sheraton Hotel, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, AFAFRICA Commander, expressed the need for strategic partnerships and regional cooperation to address the air safety challenges facing the continent.

“Like every region of the world, Africa faces security challenges that are both unique to the continent and shared globally,” Woodward said adding, “We believe that our only chance at truly confronting these challenges successfully is in partnership with you”.

According to Maj. Gen. Woodward, the US air force will design new approaches based from past challenges and experiences to best assist Africa.

Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, stressed a need for enhanced cooperation between Africa and the United States to jointly combat terrorism and airborne related illicit activities.

“It is my conviction that this conference would highlight the magnitude of the challenge presence of international terrorists and pirates in Africa and provide some recommendations as to how to go about state-led illicit airborne activities,” he said.

According to US embassy in Ethiopia, the conference being held under the theme “Building Air Partnerships across Africa” will provide a forum to foster strategic dialogue on improving air safety and security across the continent.

(ST)