ICAO Secretary General makes first official visit to Central Asia

Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Juan Carlos Salazar arrived in Astana on an official visit. This was reported by the press service of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan.

At the airport he was met by Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic Talgat Lastaev. Salazar arrived accompanied by his wife. The ministry said it was his first trip to Central Asia.

Within the framework of the visit, the head of ICAO will take part in the Aviation Security Week of the organization, which will be held in Astana from 20 to 22 October 2026. For the first time, Kazakhstan hosts this international event, bringing together representatives of aviation departments, international organizations, airlines, airports and industry experts.

The meeting participants are expected to discuss strengthening the international aviation security system and joint measures to counter modern threats.

ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that unites 193 countries. The organization develops international standards and recommended practices for civil aviation. Kazakhstan has been a member of ICAO since 1992, and in 2024 opened a permanent representative office in Montreal, the first among the countries of Central Asia.

Juan Carlos Salazar has been ICAO Secretary General since August 2021. In 2024, he was reappointed for a second term.