(Doha, April 17, 2025) – A Cuban delegation led by the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, participated in the 2025 Facilitation Conference of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in Doha, State of Qatar.
More than 20 Ministers of Transport from ICAO member states attended the event, along with civil aviation authorities and representatives from various organizations and the aviation industry. Discussions highlighted the importance of facilitation in the development of air transport, focusing on the implementation of new technologies that enhance passenger transit time at airports in a safe and dignified manner, while also improving the quality of border control services.
The high-level ministerial segment of the Conference served as a platform for strategic discussions and the approval of a Declaration on the Facilitation of Air Transport, which will contribute to future discussions and the adoption of resolutions on this topic at the upcoming ICAO Assembly.
In his remarks, the Cuban Minister shared Cuba’s experience in implementing the standards and procedures related to Annex 9 – Facilitation, emphasizing that the imposition of unilateral coercive measures hinders States’ efforts to implement regulations and principles regarding facilitation. He also expressed Cuba’s support for the Doha Declaration and the country’s commitment to continue working towards the development of safe and efficient air transport.
Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila also carried out a busy bilateral agenda with Qatari authorities involved in the transport and aviation sectors, representatives of ICAO, and heads of delegations from other participating countries.
In this regard, he was received by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar, and Mr. Fathi Atti, Vice President for Aeropolitical and Corporate Affairs at Qatar Airways. Together, they reviewed the status of bilateral cooperation in the transport sector and explored ways to further develop it, particularly in relation to the air transport sector.
The Minister of Transport also toured the facilities of Mowasalat, Qatar’s main state-owned public transport company, which provides services for the general population, schoolchildren, and other specialized segments. General Manager Ahmad Hassan Al-Obaidly showcased the company’s operations, its development in electric transport, and the strategies implemented especially after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar expressed his appreciation for the Cuban Minister’s presence at the Conference and highlighted Cuba’s longstanding ties with the Organization. During their meeting, both sides discussed opportunities for cooperation between ICAO and its member states to ensure the safety, efficiency, and regularity of global air transport.
The Cuban delegation also included Armando Luis Daniel López, President of the IACC; Mercedes Vázquez González, Cuba’s representative to ICAO; and Nestar Rojas Álvarez, Head of Aviation Security at IACC.
(Embassy of Cuba in the State of Qatar)