US, Equatorial Guinea sign Open Skies Agreement

The Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles Rivkin and Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Agapito Mba Mokuy signed an Open Skies air services agreement that will liberalize the bilateral aviation relationship.
"It creates opportunities for strengthening the economic partnership between the United States and Equatorial Guinea through closer links in transport and trade," said a statement from the State Department on Thursday.
"Open Skies agreements permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other's territory, eliminating restrictions on how often the carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge," noted the statement.
"This agreement will allow for the strengthening and expansion of our strong trade and tourism links with Equatorial Guinea, benefitting U.S. and Equatorial Guinean businesses and travelers by expanding opportunities for air services and encouraging vigorous price competition by airlines, while preserving our commitments to aviation safety and security," it added.