KATHMANDU, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 56th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation in Asia and Pacific Regions kicked off in Nepal's capital city on Monday with the participation of heads of civil aviation bodies of over 40 countries and regions.

The event, attended by around 400 high-level delegates, was inaugurated by Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

Addressing the function, Oli said that Nepal has stepped into the era of development and economic prosperity for which connectivity within Asia-Pacific region is crucial.

"We want to introduce Nepal as a safe destination. Our attempts and policies will be focused on the same goal," Oli said, adding that Nepal is ready to amend the necessary laws and policies to cooperate with international community to enhance air connectivity.

The five-day event under the theme "Harmonizing Efforts to Meet the Challenges of Capacity Constraints" is being hosted by Nepal for the third time.

According to Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the major objective of this event is to maintain cooperation among countries of the Asia-Pacific region to ensure safe, secure and efficient sustainable development of civil aviation.

The conference will dwell on various civil aviation issues including air security, economic development of air transport aviation and environment, and regional cooperation, among others.

The conference will conclude on Aug. 23.