The Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Juan Carlos Salazar, has arrived in Astana on his first official visit to Kazakhstan and Central Asia, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Cardona.

He was welcomed at the airport by Talgat Lastayev, Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This marks Juan Carlos Salazar’s first visit to any country in Central Asia.

During his visit, the ICAO Secretary General will participate in ICAO Aviation Security Week 2026, which will take place in Astana on October 20–22 with the support of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

For the first time, Kazakhstan is hosting this major international event, which brings together heads of civil aviation authorities, representatives of international organizations, airlines, airports, and leading industry experts.

Hosting ICAO Aviation Security Week in Kazakhstan, together with the official visit of the organization’s Secretary General, reflects the high level of trust placed in the country by the international aviation community, recognition of its achievements in aviation security, and the strengthening of its position on the global aviation stage.

The outcomes of the event are expected to provide further impetus to strengthening the global aviation security system and developing joint approaches to addressing emerging threats.

Background information

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations comprising 193 Member States. It establishes international standards and recommended practices for civil aviation.

Kazakhstan has been an ICAO Member State since 1992. In 2024, Kazakhstan became the first country in Central Asia to establish a Permanent Representation to ICAO in Montreal.

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