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Last Updated: Jan 27, 2020 - 1:55:50 PM |
Remarks by the Honourable Darren A. Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Signing Ceremony of the Open Skies Agreement between
The Bahamas
&
The United States of America
Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Main Conference Room
Nassau, The Bahamas, 27th January, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
I am pleased to join you all in witnessing this historic signing of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between The Bahamas and the United States.
Air transportation or air services agreements allow international commercial air transport services between countries that have signed such agreements, and they tend to cover a wide range of aviation issues, such as security, safety oversight, airworthiness, navigation, environmental protection and passenger services at airports. Although the number of carriers operating in The Bahamas is small, air services agreements hold great promises, as they allow our airlines to have access to the world and to allow foreign carriers to increase their access to The Bahamas. It also allows nationals of the respective countries to widen their horizon and get to know people in other parts of the world, and to enjoy their culture, music and food!
The International Civil Aviation Air Services Event (ICAN) proved to be a game changer in allowing countries to negotiate agreements expeditiously. The Bahamas has participated in ICAN meetings since 2015, and we also served as host to the ICAN negotiations event in December 2016. The ASA’s, some 22 of which we have signed with other countries, have not only opened a pathway for expanded commerce and economic activity between The Bahamas and the respective countries, but they have also served to strengthen foreign relations with those countries.
I am told that, in addition to the 22 full-fledged ASA’s that we have signed, there other agreements that will eventually lead to ASA’s in the not too distant future; these include four (4) agreed minutes, one (1) airline designation, two (2) code-share agreements, and twenty-eight (28) MOU's between The Bahamas and other countries, to date.
The Air Transport Agreement with the United States reflects a strong commitment by both The Bahamas and the US to the continued strengthening of bilateral relations and the modernization of aviation operations.
The Bahamas and the United States are close neighbours with strong relations. The USA’s friendship was evidenced in the rapid response it provided in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. They were amongst the first responders and continue to provide needed cooperation and assistance. I take this opportunity to thank once again the US for the many ways it has supported The Bahamas in Hurricane Dorian relief, recovery and restoration efforts.
Congratulations to all of the technocrats, both from The Bahamas and the US, who have worked assiduously to make today’s signing possible. This is a proud day in our history, and I look forward to what the future holds for both of our countries.
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