April 27, 2011
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African air chiefs convene in Addis; a conference aimed at providing a forum to foster strategic dialogue on improving air safety across Africa went underway in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
Co-hosted by U.S. Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) and the Ethiopian government, the conference brought together some 150 participants.
Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, AFAFRICA Commander and 24 African air force chiefs of staff are in attendance of the conference.
Addressing the opening session, Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, stressed the need for Africa and the United States to work together in the areas of counter terrorism and airborne related illicit activities.
“It is my conviction that this conference would highlight the magnitude of the challenge and provide some recommendations as to how to go about state-led illicit airborne activities,” Hailemariam said noting the situation in Somalia.
Maj. Gen. Woodward for his part said that like every region of the world, Africa faces security challenges that are both unique to the continent and shared globally.
“We believe that our only chance at truly confronting these challenges successfully is in partnership with you,” she added.
According to the Commander, the US air force has identified a set of common themes to focus its resources on Africa’s desire from past engagements.
These include strengthening African security forces, improving their professionalism and increasing the continent’s ability to support and lead international peace efforts.
“These themes are identical to the issues you would hear from the U.S. Air Force as well,” Maj. Gen. Woodward said.
The three-day conference is being held under the theme “Building Air Partnerships across Africa”.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African air chiefs convene in Addis; a conference aimed at providing a forum to foster strategic dialogue on improving air safety across Africa went underway in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
Co-hosted by U.S. Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) and the Ethiopian government, the conference brought together some 150 participants.
Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, AFAFRICA Commander and 24 African air force chiefs of staff are in attendance of the conference.
Addressing the opening session, Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, stressed the need for Africa and the United States to work together in the areas of counter terrorism and airborne related illicit activities.
“It is my conviction that this conference would highlight the magnitude of the challenge and provide some recommendations as to how to go about state-led illicit airborne activities,” Hailemariam said noting the situation in Somalia.
Maj. Gen. Woodward for his part said that like every region of the world, Africa faces security challenges that are both unique to the continent and shared globally.
“We believe that our only chance at truly confronting these challenges successfully is in partnership with you,” she added.
According to the Commander, the US air force has identified a set of common themes to focus its resources on Africa’s desire from past engagements.
These include strengthening African security forces, improving their professionalism and increasing the continent’s ability to support and lead international peace efforts.
“These themes are identical to the issues you would hear from the U.S. Air Force as well,” Maj. Gen. Woodward said.
The three-day conference is being held under the theme “Building Air Partnerships across Africa”.
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