Ethiopia has officially joined the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s Public Key Directory (PKD) system, a crucial step that promises to enhance both national security and the ease of international travel for its citizens. The country received its membership certificate in Canada this week.
Selamawit Dawit, Director-General of Ethiopia's Immigration and Citizenship Service, accepted the certificate in the presence of the ICAO President and Canada's Deputy Minister of Transport. Selamawit emphasized the significance of Ethiopia's inclusion in the PKD, a network of 105 member states, stating it will play a vital role in national security. She highlighted that utilizing advanced technology within this robust international aviation cooperation framework not only strengthens border protection but also demonstrates Ethiopia's dedication to global collective security.
Nicolas Robson, present at the ceremony, affirmed that Ethiopia's official entry into the PKD will bolster the global trust placed in its aviation sector operations.
This membership is set to directly benefit Ethiopian passport holders, allowing them to travel more seamlessly between member countries. Crucially, the system will also make it significantly easier to identify and prevent individuals attempting to enter Ethiopia via land or air with fraudulent travel documents. Mastewal Geda, Director of Public Relations and Communication for the Immigration and Citizenship Service, underscored that this proactive measure will aid in preventing potential security threats against the nation, FBC reported.