Germany and Singapore coorperate in improving Afghan air safety

Enlarge image From left to right: Mr Goh Chin Ee, Director of the Singapore Aviation Academy, HE Jörg Ranau, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Gerrmany, Mr Koh Tin Fook , Director of the Technical Cooperation Directorate (TCD), MFA (© Singapore Aviation Academy)

Singapore and Germany have agreed to collaborate in improving Afghan air safety. On 14 September 2009  the first seminar for members of the Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation was inaugurated. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr Goh Chin Ee, Director of the Singapore Aviation Academy, HE Jörg Ranau, Ambassodor of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Mr Koh Tin Fook, Director of Technical Cooperation Directorate (TCD), MFA.

The objective of the joint initiative is to improve the security in the Afghan civil aviation sector. Safety problems are due to a lack of skilled staff and a lack or out-dated technical equipment. Hence, 40 personnel of the Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation are to be trained in Singapore in airport-management. The seminars will take place at the Singapore Aviation Academy. The estimated cost of EUR 180.000,- will be equally shared by Germany and Singapore. The initiative will be continued next year, if the outcome is successful.

These training measures are part of Germany's comprehensive engagement in improving Afghan air safety. The Federal Foreign Office of Germany will provide EUR 40 millions until 2011 for this purpose.

The German Government also cooperates with the United Arab Emirates in expanding and enhancing the airport in Masar-i-Sharif, the HQ of German-led ISAF Regional Commando North. The airport in Tarin Kowt, located in the south of the country, is being rebuilt in cooperation with the Netherlands.

A second seminar on the management and operation of airport terminals was held in Singapore from 11 - 22 January 2010. At the end of the seminar the German Ambassador presented the certificates to the 16 participants from Afghanistan, including two female employees from Kabul airport.