Egypt and Cameroon are working towards a more extensive partnership in civil aviation, driven by Egypt's political leadership to strengthen cooperation with African nations. A delegation from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority recently visited Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, resulting in the initial signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries' civil aviation authorities. This development aims to enhance air transport and open up broader cooperation opportunities.
The visit built upon previous coordination efforts during the Africa and Indian Ocean Aviation Week, hosted in Cairo last July, and discussions that began when Paule ASSOUMOU KOKI, the Cameroonian Civil Aviation Authority's head, visited Egypt. The meetings covered various areas of interest to Cameroon, including aviation safety, aircraft airworthiness and maintenance, flight operations, air navigation, airports, pilot and crew licensing, and aviation legislation.
Egyptian and Cameroonian officials explored ways to leverage Egypt's expertise in developing technical and human capacities through the exchange of experts and training programs. The Egyptian delegation, led by Samah Mohamed Fouzi, head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, included Mohamed Kamal El-Matiry, director general of technical inspection, and Rania Hamad, director general of the technical office. The meetings were attended by Egyptian Ambassador to Cameroon Marwa Hegazi and Consul Ahmed El-Sawi.
Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Samah El-Hafni emphasized that Egypt continues to expand its partnerships with African countries in civil aviation, focusing on exchanging expertise, supporting training programs, and building capacities to enhance aviation efficiency and connectivity. He highlighted the importance of building on the agreements reached with Cameroon to achieve practical results that serve mutual interests.
The visit resulted in the initial signing of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the two countries' civil aviation authorities, paving the way for completing necessary procedures and establishing executive programs that address the priorities identified by both parties. Both sides also discussed the possibility of launching a direct air route between Cairo and Yaoundé, as well as Egypt's experience in developing Cameroonian airports and enhancing their operational efficiency.
Samah Fouzi, head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, stressed the sector's commitment to activating cooperation areas outlined in the memorandum of understanding and providing technical and training support to Cameroon, aligned with its needs and priorities. He expressed appreciation for the Cameroonian side's warm reception and smooth coordination, as well as the efforts of Ambassador Marwa Hegazi and Consul Ahmed El-Sawi in supporting the visit.
Paule ASSOUMOU KOKI, head of the Cameroonian Civil Aviation Authority, expressed her appreciation for the cooperation with Egypt, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Egyptian expertise in training, qualification, and technical support to enhance the efficiency of Cameroonian aviation personnel and develop the country's civil aviation sector.
Key points
- Egypt and Cameroon have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in civil aviation.
- The two countries are exploring the launch of a direct air route between Cairo and Yaoundé.
- Egypt is prepared to provide technical and training support to Cameroon to develop its civil aviation sector.
