New Delhi, July 31: The Union cabinet tonight approved air services agreements with Djibouti, Slovenia and Qatar which would provide a legal framework for operations between India and these countries. Under these agreements, both the countries would have the right to designate upto two airlines each for operating on specified routes.

The frequency of services and the capacity to be operated by the designated airlines shall be determined by aeronautical authorities from time to time, an official spokesman said after the cabinet meeting.

The agreed services would be operated by the designated airlines on the routes specified for them, he said. "The new arrangements signify an important landmark in civil aviation relations of India with Djibouti, the Republic of Slovenia and the state of Qatar and also provide the basic legal framework for operations of air services to and fro with these countries", the spokesman said.

The agreement between India and Djibouti was signed on May 17 this year with the approval of the Prime Minister. While the pact with the Republic of Slovenia was initialled on November 4, 1997, that with Qatar was made on June 24 last year.

Bureau Report