Egypt, IMO mull furthering cooperation

CAIRO - 30 November 2017: Transportation Minister Hisham Arafat and Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Mohab Mamish on Thursday discussed with Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Kitack Lim the current cooperation between Egypt and the IMO.

Arafat and Mamish also reviewed the importance of the Suez Canal as being a major waterway for the international trade, the major development of the Egyptian ports’ system and the role of the SCZone.

In a statement, the transportation minister expressed appreciation over Egypt’s membership in such a prominent organization, pointing out that cooperation between Egypt and the IMO in technical, technological and training spheres constitutes a positive model of improving the maritime safety.

He voiced Egypt’s keenness to effectively participate in all activities of the IMO and its subcommittees and contribute to achieving its objectives.

Egypt is mainly a maritime state thanks to its unique geographical site and its Suez Canal which is playing a major role in facilitating trade flows between the east and the west in addition to its long coasts throughout Red and Mediterranean seas, he added.

As well, Egypt possesses about 43 ports, that is why the maritime transport comes at the top of its priorities and is considered among the most important pillars for the country's national economy.

For his side, Lim referred to the importance of Egypt’s maritime location and its role in the global trade.

He also highlighted that the development of the Suez Canal economic zone can greatly contribute to supporting Egypt’s maritime capabilities in the Mediterranean region.