2006 Press Releases
Press Release
Open Skies Signing
February 17, 2006
On February 17 Cameroonian Minister of External Relations Laurent Esso and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer signed an Open Skies Agreement between their two countries. This agreement liberalizes international aviation markets between Cameroon and the United States, facilitating growth and competition in air transportation.
The Open Skies agreement removes restrictions on routes, capacity, frequencies, designations and pricing; includes liberal "doing-business" rights; provides a basis for cooperative marketing arrangements; and gives carriers the flexibility to respond to market conditions. The Agreement applies to scheduled and charter passengers and all-cargo air services. These liberal ground rules ensure that the Agreement facilitates the growth of an efficient, market-based international aviation system with potential for increasing commercial and business exchanges, investment, exports and tourism. It will also promote Cameroon’s integration with the world economy.
Although there is currently no direct flight service between the United States and Cameroon, the Agreement puts aviation relations between the U.S. and Cameroon on a sound, free market basis. Cameroon’s active participation in the Safe Skies for Africa program also means that it is quickly gaining the technical skills necessary so that when the time comes, Cameroon can ensure safe and secure direct aviation between our two countries.
As an expanding U.S. economic partner, it is important therefore that Cameroon and the U.S. have entered into an Open Skies Agreement. It is yet another sign of the growing relationship between the two nations. Cameroon becomes the 75th country with which the United States has negotiated Open Skies; the 16th such country in sub-Saharan Africa.
For any press queries please contact the Press section at the U.S. Embassy. Tel 220-15.00 ext. 4162 or 4273