Aruba signs a cooperation agreement with Colombia.
ORANJESTAD - Colombia and Aruba have recently inked a civil aviation agreement.
The deal, which calls on the nations to work together and support one another on a few specific issues, is essential for Aruba. This agreement establishes technical cooperation in the areas of accident investigation, sustainable aviation development, and operational safety management. They also discussed air cargo transport between the two countries.
On behalf of Colombia, the agreement was signed by Mr. Bg. Gr. Jose Henry Pinto Rodriguez, Director of Aerocivil Colombia, and on behalf of Aruba, by Mr. Ing. Edwin F. Kelly, Director of the Department of Civil Aviation. The agreement was signed in the presence of Mr. Christopher Barks, Director of ICAO for the North American, Central American, and Caribbean continents.
The deal was inked at the Rionegro, Colombia, airport during the 2025 Aeronautics Fair, when certain nations, including Aruba, were invited to participate. Aruba participated in the academic part of the fair, which this year focuses on the development of sustainable aviation, particularly the application of sustainable aviation fuels. This has enormous added value for the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba, which is currently working on a comprehensive national plan for sustainable aviation in line with the strategy and requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Reaching a global net-zero carbon emission level by 2050 is one of ICAO's main goals.
Both directors underlined that, even in the context of civil aviation, Aruba and Colombia have always maintained a unique bond of fraternity and friendship. A "win-win" scenario will result from the signed agreement, which will strengthen collaboration and greatly benefit both nations, particularly in terms of socioeconomic development.
This agreement aligns with the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba's policy to strengthen itself through strategic alliances and cooperation. All of this is part of the Ministry of Transportation's policy to improve the Aruban air transportation system, which is crucial for our travel and tourism sector.