The minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo has had a discussion with the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alberto Padilla aimed at strengthening bilateral aviation ties between both countries.
Spokesman for the minister, Mr Tunde Moshood said in a statement that the talks were held when the envoy paid a visit to Keyamo in his office in Abuja.
During the meeting, the duo discussed the initiative by the northern South American country to establish direct air connectivity with Nigeria.
Padilla disclosed that Venezuela’s national carrier, CONVIASA Airlines, was fully prepared and equipped to commence direct flight operations to Nigeria and appealed for the cooperation and support of the federal government to ensure a smooth and timely start of service.
Responding, Keyamo lauded the initiative, saying “it is a significant milestone in deepening Nigeria’s aviation and diplomatic relations with the South American region.”
He emphasised the economic and cultural importance of the direct link, which he noted would enhance trade, tourism and people-to-people interactions between both countries.
“This is a historic move that aligns with our agenda to open up Nigeria’s airspace to more international routes and foster greater global connectivity.
“We welcome CONVIASA Airlines and look forward to a successful partnership that will benefit the people of both nations,” Keyamo said.
To fast-track the realisation of the goal, the minister, according to the statement, had constituted a joint technical committee comprising officials from the federal ministry of aviation and aerospace development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The committee is tasked with coordinating all the necessary approvals and ensuring a seamless entry process for CONVIASA Airlines.
