The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has held series of engagements with aviation leaders in the Middle East at the ongoing Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a press statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, it said the forum, which marks a pivotal moment for global aviation collaboration, is being held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC).

At the behest of Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar, and Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the engagements between the minister and his counterparts were convened on the sidelines to deepen ties between Nigeria and the Middle East in air transportation and logistics.

The third edition of the Future Aviation Forum themed: “Elevating Global Connectivity,” underscores the importance of fostering innovation, sustainable air travel, and cultural exchange. By bringing together leaders from the aviation sector and adjacent industries, the forum serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and business opportunities.

Keyamo expressed gratitude to Al-Sulaiti for his keen interest in Nigeria, affirming Nigeria’s openness to investments in civil aviation and other sectors of the economy. Emphasising the importance of learning from Qatar’s success in airline operations, particularly exemplified by the global acclaim of Qatar Airways, the minister sought collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s aviation sector.

A key proposal made by the minister involved encouraging Qatar Airways to patronise local catering services on its return trips to Doha from Nigeria. This initiative aligns with the principles of reciprocity outlined in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and aims to stimulate Nigeria’s local economy.