OTTAWA, Sept. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- China has emerged as one of the major countries of air transportation in world and its role in international civil aviation is increasing, said Assad Kotaite, President of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

    In an interview with Xinhua on Friday, Kotaite said ICAO appreciated the efforts made by China through the year in the development of air transportation. Now China has become a major country in air transport in the world.

    He said China has made progress in implementing the standards of ICAO in ensuring safety and security of civil aviation both internationally and domestically through the airlines of China.

    Speaking about the China's role in the ICAO, Kotaite said, China joined the ICAO in 1974, China is also a member of the council of ICAO council. China has played very important and cooperative role in the organization.

    He said at the forthcoming 35th session of the ICAO assembly, China will become the 11th member of first category in the council which represent great importance in international civil aviation.

    He said the cooperation of China is not only within the ICAO council, but also in other areas. "We have established a number of groups of experts and China is a member of some groups. In these groups China always provides executive ideas," he added.

    Kotaite particularly mentioned China's cooperation in the establishment of the polar routes which are in good operation and beneficial to airlines of a number countries.

    Delegates from 188 members states and regions will participate the 35th Session of ICAO Assembly. Enditem