By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

President Remengesau said the 2007 Pacific Aviation Directors Workshop which started yesterday will be a key component to building relationships among the island, the airline industry and the United States.
The president in his opening remarks yesterday said that the workshop will be a "learning tool and an opportunity to establish the personal connections that are valuable to effective cooperation and communication."
The theme of this year’s conference which is "fostering aviation safety and infrastructure development through government and industry partnership," aims to keep the airlines and airports safe.
He said this is possible through cooperation and information sharing among the nation the Pacific region.
"It is also necessary for our island governments to work together to maximize the value of our limited resources. The Pacific region is made up of many small nations that action alone, face a great challenge in meeting international aviation standards. By teaming up in such areas as information sharing, training and procurement, we can overcome our limited resources and isolation to ensure that our airports remain safe and our islands continue to be attractive destinations," the president said.
He also added that Palau is one of the beneficiaries of the U.S. assistance provided under the Airport Improvement Program by the Federal Aviation Authority.
He said that through the FAA grants Palau was able to give the airport and the capacity and capability to handle the air transportation needs of Palau.