Rabat – Morocco has secured a seat on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) following elections held on Tuesday during the UN agency’s 42nd session in Montreal.
Souriya Otmani, Morocco's ambassador to Canada, called the outcome a “brilliant election,” highlighting it as a testament to the country's strong international reputation and credibility. She emphasized Morocco’s commitment to making civil aviation a national priority by enhancing air safety, security, services, and sustainability in line with global aviation standards.
The country's successful bid was bolstered by the active participation of its delegation to the ICAO Assembly, led by Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh. Otmani noted that Moroccan representatives held numerous bilateral meetings with civil aviation authorities from other nations, building alliances and garnering support ahead of the vote. The ICAO Assembly, which convenes every three years, gathers representatives from all 193 member states and various international organizations to set the global policies for civil aviation for the following period. As a result, council membership is a crucial platform for shaping the future of international civil aviation.
During the session, Minister Kayouh also presented Morocco’s civil aviation strategy, emphasizing reforms aimed at boosting competitiveness and attracting investment.
Morocco has signed over 100 air agreements, including “Open Sky” deals with the US and EU, and is a member of the Single African Air Transport Market. These initiatives have helped position the country as Africa’s top tourist destination, with 17.4 million visitors in 2024 and over 18 million air passengers in the first seven months of 2025, connected through 435 routes to 59 countries.