Malaysia is seeking re-election to the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) during the upcoming 39th ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in a statement today said he will represent Malaysia at the assembly starting tomorrow (Sept 27) until Oct 7.

"We hope to continue playing a role in creating safer skies and sustainable air travel for the global civil aviation sector.

"As one of the leading players in ASEAN's growing aviation sector, Malaysia is strongly committed to playing our part in enhancing the standards of safety and security, not to mention promoting greater international cooperation among civil aviation nations," he said.

He also believed that the cooperation would lay the foundation for fresh opportunities and socio-economic benefits for all ICAO member states.

Liow said as a specialised agency of the United Nations, ICAO is central to driving the growth of the civil aviation sector across the globe.

"Malaysia is focused on supporting its 'No Country Left Behind' initiative, so that, its international Standards and Recommended Practices are upheld," he added.

At present, ICAO comprises 191 member states. Malaysia has been a member state of ICAO since 1958 and has served as ICAO council member for three consecutive terms since we were first elected to the council in 2007. -- Bernama