EU and Latin America agree to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation

---

Rio de Janeiro, 25^th May 2010 - At a joint EU–Latin America Civil Aviation Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, today signed two "joint declarations" with Latin American aviation leaders that will lay the foundation for closer cooperation in civil aviation between the EU and Latin America.  

Vice-President Siim Kallas said in Rio de Janeiro: "Given the steady growth and common challenges facing our aviation sectors, I am extremely pleased with the prospect of enhancing cooperation in civil aviation with Latin America. Cooperation will create opportunities for companies in both the EU and Latin America and result in more and safer flights to the benefit of our citizens." 

The Latin American air transport market is forecast to be among the fastest growing in the world over the next 20 years and therefore of increasing strategic importance to the EU and its industry. 

In his opening speech at the joint EU–Latin America Civil Aviation Summit, Vice-President Kallas invited Latin America to cooperate more closely with the EU on civil aviation, including improving aviation safety and reducing the impact of flying on the environment. 

Mr Kallas welcomed the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC) which will enhance cooperation between Latin America and the EU in aviation. The two sides agreed to develop a joint action plan before the end of 2010 setting out the concrete actions of cooperation.

---