JEDDAH: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is taking steps to strengthen security measures in the Kingdom's airfields. For this reason, Abdullah Rehaimi, President of GACA, recently held at his office at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, a bilateral meeting with John Pistole, head of the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between GACA and TSA and providing the necessary protection for airports and flights operating between the Kingdom and the United States. The meeting also addressed ways of enhancing the strategic partnership between GACA and the TSA in an effort to strengthen the solid relationship in the field of air transport between the two countries. Special emphasis in the discussions was placed upon the development of technical means used at airports to screen passengers, baggage and air cargo. The meeting also highlighted the prospect of cooperation and integration between GACA and the US agency to include the exchange of expertise and experience and to take advantage of the resources available to raise the efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce assigned to implement security measures at airports. Rehaimi stressed that GACA has always been keen to raise the level of cooperation and joint actions with the US agency, especially in light of the rapid growth and development that the Kingdom is witnessing in the field of constructing and operating airports, which is a reflection of the developing air transport industry in the Kingdom. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the head of the US security administration for his visit to the Kingdom.
