PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will continue to form stronger bilateral links with Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC) countries, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       "Malaysia, as a regional aviation hub, is an influential player in the industry globally," the Transport Minister said after arriving at Montevideo, Uruguay, on Monday (March 21) to attend LACAC's XXIV Ordinary Assembly.

       "As such, we will be reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to continue to support the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)'s initiative towards safer and more efficient aviation services worldwide.

       "My officers and I will be attending a series of meetings and bilateral discussions on issues related to international aviation and Malaysia's role in the sector.

       "I will be delivering the address at the opening of the assembly as head of the Malaysian delegation, comprising officers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) led by chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abdul Rahman, Transport Ministry aviation division undersecretary Mohamad Radzuan Mazlan and Malaysia's permanent ICAO representative Flora Chin," he said.

       These efforts, added Dr Wee, are being done ahead of Malaysia's candidacy in the 41st ICAO general assembly to retain the country's seat in the ICAO Council under Part lll for the 2022-2025 term.

       "I will be having bilateral talks with the president's of ICAO and LACAC and meeting many of my counterparts from Latin American countries to gain their support for our re-election for a sixth consecutive term," added Dr Wee.