Egyptian Transport Minister Engineer Kamel El-Wazir met with Saudi Transport and Logistics Minister Engineer Saleh Al-Jasser to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two countries in transport and logistics. The meeting explored ways to support trade and maximize the benefits of each country's strategic location. The talks also aimed to integrate into various international corridors. El-Wazir congratulated Al-Jasser on Saudi National Day, expressing his hopes for continued progress and prosperity in Saudi Arabia.
El-Wazir highlighted the deep-rooted relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which go beyond diplomatic and economic ties to a rich history shared by the two nations. He noted that Egypt's development vision, under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, led by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, offer vast opportunities for further integration in transport, logistics, and other vital sectors.
Al-Jasser emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in transport, particularly given the significant developments in Egypt's and Saudi Arabia's transport and infrastructure sectors. The two ministers discussed the importance of joint efforts to enhance integration between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in international corridors. They also highlighted the need to improve connectivity between Saudi and Egyptian ports to support trade between the two countries and other Gulf states.
The ministers focused on the Southern Arab Trade Corridor, which connects Europe and Gulf states through Egypt. They explored utilizing the Egyptian-Italian Ro-Ro line between Damietta and Trieste, and integrating it with international logistics corridors to reach the port of Safaga. From there, goods can be transported to the port of NEOM (formerly Duba) in Saudi Arabia using Egyptian national shipping companies.
El-Wazir mentioned that Egypt's Transport Ministry is planning to establish eight integrated logistics corridors. These will link production areas, such as industrial, agricultural, and mining zones, to seaports. The corridors will utilize a network of railways and main roads, passing through dry ports and logistics zones. The goal is to transform Egypt into a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade.
The two ministers agreed that the next phase requires continued cooperation and expanded partnerships in economic, investment, and trade areas. They emphasized the importance of maximizing the use of available resources and capabilities to increase cooperation and joint projects. The ministers also highlighted the role of the Egyptian-Saudi Higher Coordination Council in promoting bilateral cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to build on existing cooperation and explore new opportunities for partnership. The ministers recognized the significance of their countries' relations and looked forward to further collaboration. The discussions demonstrated the strong ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on economic and strategic cooperation.
Key points
- Egypt and Saudi Arabia aim to enhance cooperation in transport and logistics.
- The two countries plan to improve connectivity between their ports to support trade.
- Egypt's Transport Ministry is establishing eight integrated logistics corridors to link production areas to seaports.
