Sharjah 24 – WAM: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Air Transport Association "IATA" at the Authority's head office in Abu Dhabi.

The MoU aims to enhance air freight security and achieve higher security rates for supply chains in the air freight system, thus making the UAE the first country outside the United States and the European Union to implement the system approved by IATA in this field.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Acting Director General of the Federal Authority, mentioned that cooperation with the International Air Transport Association in the field of air freight security, by harmonising national regulations with international standards, contributes to achieving higher levels of safety in the air freight sector while ensuring the smooth flow of goods, and continuation of the smooth supply and facilitation of trade through a coordinated approach, confirming the pioneering position of the UAE as a global hub in trade and shipping.

Kamel Al-Awadi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said, "IATA has well-established relations with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security in the United Arab Emirates, and the approval of IATA standards by one of the most reputable government institutions in the country is an important step for us towards harmonising standards in this vital sector, which is critical to achieving the safe flow of trade, and we look forward to a successful implementation that will serve as a catalyst for the rest of the countries."