IPNEWS: In a significant development aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic cooperation, the governments of Rwanda and Liberia have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2024), held on October 21, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Leading the delegation from the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) were Mr. Julius D. Dennis, Jr. Director General; Audrey Zoe Johnson, Director of Air Transport and Economic Regulations; and Patrick Okai, Special Assistant/ Public Relations Officer.

The BASA aims to strengthen air transport between Rwanda and Liberia, fostering increased tourism, trade, and economic cooperation, while deepening bilateral relations. Under the agreement, both countries will allow each other’s airlines to operate scheduled air services between their territories.

This enhanced connectivity will reduce travel times, offer more direct flights, and increase convenience for passengers and cargo—particularly benefiting students traveling between Liberia and Rwanda or the East African region.

Key provisions of the agreement include:

1. Aviation Safety and Security: Both nations commit to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and security, working closely together to uphold international standards.
2. Economic Cooperation: The BASA is designed to encourage economic collaboration by facilitating trade and investment between Liberia and Rwanda.
3. Tourism Development: By making air travel more accessible between the two countries, the agreement is expected to drive tourism growth, contributing to economic benefits on both sides.

The signing of this agreement represents a milestone in Liberia-Rwanda relations, establishing a legal framework for the operation of direct air services between the two nations. The BASA will allow airlines from both countries to operate flights between designated points in each territory, subject to the agreed-upon terms and conditions. This development is expected to offer travelers more convenient and affordable flight options between Liberia and Rwanda.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Julius D. Dennis, Jr., Director General of the LCAA, expressed optimism about the agreement. “We are thrilled about this collaboration, which will provide additional travel alternatives for our public, particularly students studying in Rwanda and the East African region,” he said.

The LCAA delegation is also expected to sign additional Air Service Agreements (ASA) with other countries during the course of the week, demonstrating Liberia’s commitment to advancing aviation services and strengthening international partnerships.

This agreement highlights the commitment of both Liberia and Rwanda to deepening their economic and diplomatic ties and is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of trade, tourism, and investment between the two nations.