The 18th Meeting of the ICAO European Region Search and Rescue Task Force (EUR SAR TF/18) has commenced in Astana. The event is being attended by Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chair of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The meeting has brought together representatives of ICAO European Region States, representatives of Southeast Asian States, international organizations and other stakeholders. Discussions are focused on the further development of the regional search and rescue system, enhancement of State oversight, training of aviation personnel, organization of search and rescue exercises, and the exchange of experience among States.

A key practical component of the international event will be a demonstration of coordinated search and rescue exercises. As part of the exercise, Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities and civil aviation organizations will demonstrate the capabilities of the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS), including Autonomous Distress Tracking (ADT) and the use of the Location of an Aircraft in Distress Repository (LADR).

Kazakhstan’s participation in the work of the European search and rescue community provides an opportunity to present the country’s national experience and approaches in the field of search and rescue, while also contributing to discussions on the further development of international mechanisms for responding to aviation accidents and incidents.

Hosting the meeting of the ICAO European Region Search and Rescue Task Force in Astana contributes to strengthening Kazakhstan’s cooperation with ICAO, States of the European Region and international partners in the field of aviation safety, while enhancing the effectiveness of search and rescue activities in Central Asia. Kazakhstan expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr Nicolas Rallo, ICAO Regional Director for Europe and the North Atlantic, and the ICAO European and North Atlantic (EUR/NAT) Office for their continued support, close cooperation and valuable contribution to the organization and successful conduct of the meeting.