- Opens talks with Iran
From Uche Usim, Abuja
The federal government has taken a major step towards deepening trade, tourism and economic relations with the State of Kuwait by sealing a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) deal with the oil-rich nation.
It also opened talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran for the same purpose.
The BASA signing ceremony took place at the ongoing International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) Event of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) holding in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With the inked deal, direct flights, passengers and cargo, between Nigeria and Kuwait can commence legally and seamlessly.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Space Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who signed the deal on behalf of Nigeria noted that the agreement would enhance the desired economic ties and cooperation between the two countries. This, he emphasised, was in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
He underscored the important role the aviation sector is positioned to play towards the successful implementation of the developmental goals of the Tinubu administration, especially with regards to pulling over 50 million Nigerians out of poverty.
He urged the different players in the aviation sector of both countries to latch on the opportunities being provided with the signing of the BASA to derive maximum benefits from it.
Speaking at the occasion, the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation of the State of Kuwait, Emad Faleh Al-Jelwi, noted that the signing of the agreement on direct flights between his country and Nigeria signposted the beginning of a strong relationship in the areas of trade, commerce, tourism, education and other areas of socio-economic development which would be to the mutual benefits of the two countries. He expressed confidence that Nigeria being the most populous and prosperous African nation would provide his country the desired inroad to the continent of Africa. He urged both countries to maximally utilise the opportunities that are bound to come with the signing of the BASA.
Similarly, Mr. Keyamo also held bilateral talks with respect to commencement of flight operations for passengers and cargo, between Nigeria and Iran, with the aeronautical authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran led by the President of Iran Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Mohammadi Bakhsh.
He alluded to the fact that Iran and Nigeria had come a long way, adding that international politics should not be used as a barrier to stifle the harmonious relationship that existed between the two countries, as both countries are members of some international organisations and shared common world views and perspectives.
He assured the Iranians that he would work in concert with other government agencies towards ensuring the commencement of flight operations between the two nations.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Bakhsh had made reference to the exchange of BASA texts between both countries, which were initialed by the representatives of the Aeronautical Authorities of both countries in Tehran in 2021, and called for the operationalisation of the Agreement. He informed the Minister that Tehran had designated Mahan Air for the operation of Tehran-Lagos route and requested Abuja to also designate its own carrier on the route. He believed that Nigeria and Iran had a lot to benefit from the direct air service in view of their shared common interests. He emphasised the giant strides which Iran had attained in civil aviation despite being under sanctions. He made it known that Iran’s carrier, Mahan Air, fly to over 100 destinations in the world and that Nigeria could be a hub for cargo operation for goods emanating from Tehran to Africa.