JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- The South African Deputy Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga on Sunday welcomed the country's election as a member of the governing council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
South Africa was elected on Saturday with 151 votes, the fourth highest in Part II voting, to retain the council seat first gained in 2003 in Montreal, Canada.
"Our contribution to the world in the sector speaks volumes just as the voting showed. South Africa will continue in playing a role that drives the advancement and the fruition of the civil aviation sector. We will also continue in doing our work alongside our neighboring states, where South Africa offers the necessary support that contributes towards the socio-economic benefit of the industry," said Chikunga.
She stated that South Africa will work with other members to fulfill the dreams of ICAO.
"Our election is an achievement not only for South Africa but for the continent, and the industry. We will continue to lead, support and execute the objectives and mandates as set by the ICAO statutes," Chikunga said.
A total of 193 member states of the ICAO meet every three years to elect the member states to be represented on the council. ■