Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good morning to all.

Your Excellencies,

President of the Assembly, (Mr. Naif Al’abri),

President of the ICAO Council, (Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano),

ICAO Secretary General, (Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar),

Ministers, Heads of Delegations, Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. On behalf of the Government of Brunei Darussalam, let me first express our sincere appreciation and honour to address the, Forty-Second Session of the ICAO Assembly. Our gratitude also goes to the Government and people of Canada and Montreal, for welcoming us to your historical and culturally vibrant city.

2. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected President and Vice-Presidents of the Assembly. I am confident that under your able leadership the Assembly will run smoothly and achieve the desired outcomes. I wish you all success in your elected roles.

3. To the President of the ICAO Council and the Secretary General, we thank you for your commendable leadership and dedicated work. The development of the Long-Term Strategic Plan (2026–2050) provides a clear vision for the growth and transformation of global aviation. The Strategic Objectives of ICAO – covering Safety, Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency, Security and Facilitation, Economic Development of Air Transport, and Environmental Protection – remain critical pillars for ensuring a robust and resilient aviation system.

4. We also welcome the Triennial Business Plan and its alignment with ICAO’s long-term objectives. We are particularly encouraged by ICAO’s recognition of the evolving challenges facing the industry, including environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and cybersecurity, especially for small nation states. 

5. Brunei Darussalam greatly values ICAO’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety oversight, enhancing aviation security and facilitation measures, and supporting capacity building, and therefore looks forward to the deliverables on training, technical assistance, and partnerships under the plan. These efforts under the No Country Left Behind initiative can make tangible difference on the ground.

Mr. President,

6. Brunei Darusslam had the pleasure of hosting the 68th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) in Bandar Seri Begawan last year (2024). The event was also used to mark the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention.

7. Among the matters deliberated was the challenges and opportunities that lies ahead for the aviation industry as they work to shape a resilient, sustainable future for aviation across the Asia-Pacific region - including the commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the Association’s aspiration to achieve 5% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) utilization by 2030. These are not just aspirations but obligations that require a united approach and innovation at all levels.

8. The AAPA Assembly at the same time recognized that airlines as well as countries maybe at varying stages of their decarbonization journey and therefore would not benefit from a “one-size-fits all” approach. More crucial and integral to achieve the overall ambition is the advancement in technological innovation and the global availability and affordability of sustainable aviation fuel.

9. In this regard Brunei Darussalam commends ICAO’s efforts in promoting the implementation of CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), that offers flexibility, as well as the calls for the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels and green technologies.

Mr. President, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

10. Brune Darussalam reaffirms our commitment to ICAO’s mandate and strategic objectives. In ensuring operational efficiency and the resilience of our aviation infrastructure, priority is given at improving the safety and operational capabilities of the Brunei International Airport (LTAB) to support economic growth and the country's strategic interests in the aviation industry. 

11. Among the projects and upgrading works at the Brunei International Airport (LTAB) include: 

a. Repair of runways and aircraft movement areas to ensure flight safety and compliance with International standards;

b. Upgrade of safety inspection equipment and surveillance systems; and 

c. Upgrade of aerodrome infrastructure and Airport facilities, including lighting and air navigation systems.

12. In this regard, as well as the other pertinent matters and headwinds that confront the aviaition industry, I believe this assembly offers an invaluable opportunity to fortify ICAO’s continued leadership in advancing the global aviation sector.

I wish everyone success and meaningful outcomes. Thank you.

- The End -