On 22nd February 2019, upon official visit of Mr. Ciopraga, TRACECA Secretary General, Mr. Jordan Karamalakov, IATA (International Air Transport Association) Area Manager in Central Asia visited TRACECA Headquarter in Baku.

At the meeting Mr. Ciopraga and Mr. Karamalakov had exchange of opinions on the civil aviation and whole transport opportunities in the Europe-the Caucasus-Asia region and along the Silk Road, as well as the improvement of aviation schools, particularly of TRACECA member-states.  

In all member states of the IGC TRACECA, the issue of civil aviation is an essential part of the transport infrastructure and its effective functioning is a necessary condition for the economic growth of developing countries, the improvement of the quality of life of the population in regions with poorly developed land transport.

Within the exchange of opinions with Mr. Karamalakov and Mr. Ciopraga mentioned the importance of attraction of the implementation of new aviation projects, including training centers for small and medium size plains and the fact that TRACECA aims at supporting the development of civil aviation in the beneficiary countries, harmonizing regulations and working practices to comply with international standards (ICAO). 

As part of the TRACECA programme, which fosters regional transport integration between partner countries, the project’s objective is to improve transport safety and security environments in the region in line with European civil aviation standards. 

Mr. Ciopraga noted that nowadays, in view of the new role created by the opportunities along the international transport corridor TRACECA that connects regions of Europe and Asia, covering the Caucasus, as a natural and shortest transit bridge between South, Central Europe and South – East Asia, the Permanent Secretariat make every effort to contribute and to support to the different mutually beneficial initiatives and ideas, regeneration of new interregional and infrastructure projects (airports, air routes) in the field of aviation.