Voltmann Decries Politics at FIATA World Congress After India Denies Visa to FIATA President
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Last week, TIA President and CEO Robert Voltmann, who also serves as FIATA Secretary General provided opening remarks to attendees of the FIATA World Congress in New Dehli, India. In his address, Voltmann decried the politicization of FIATA by the Indian government after it denied a visa to FIATA President Babar Badat of Pakistan.
“FIATA is a non-political organization. FIATA is a non-governmental organization. FIATA is a global organization dedicated to the fast, free, and efficient movement of goods by all modes in all areas of the globe,” said Voltmann.
“Even in the days of the Cold War, no government took the step of politicizing FIATA. In our recent history, Chinese Nationals were able to travel to the FIATA Congress in Chinese Taipei and Zhao was elected President there. Cypriots were able to attend the FIATA Congresses in Turkey. Jews were able to attend the FIATA Congresses in Dubai. Yet, the Indian Government has decided to interject their politics into FIATA by denying a visa to our duly elected President simply because he is Pakistani. This is unacceptable, and we reject this action by the Indian Government,” he continued.
You can view Voltmann’s full remarks here.
