The US and Cote d’Ivoire reinforced their cooperation by signing a contract related to modern aviation. US ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Terence McCulley, and Ivorian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Albert Toikeuse Mabri signed on August 16, 2016, the “Open Skies” Agreement which aims to boost trade relations in commercial aviation between the two countries.

The agreement which is “effective immediately” follows a series of negotiations between US’ department of State, Transport and Trade and Cote d’Ivoire’s. “This is the fruit of years of work and negotiations between our countries… I am impatient to see the day when our nations which share multiple common values Department will be united via direct flights,” said the US emissary.  

Challenges, knowingly tariff-related, that are likely to affect the liberalization of air traffic between both nations will be overcome with the convention. It will bring about new opportunities for air transport services from these countries as well as potential advantages for travelers and airlines. In addition, it will participate to the development of Ivorian sectors of activities like tourism, hospitality and industry.

Cote d’Ivoire is now one of 27 “Open Skies” partners of the USA in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Alain Okpeitcha