He made the remarks during the 37th meeting of the Council of Arab transport ministers at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria.

The minister thanked Qatar for its efforts during its chairmanship of the council, congratulating Palestine for chairing the council in its 37th session.

The minister highlighted the negative impact of security threats and tension in the Red Sea on navigation in the Suez Canal which is a cornerstone for stability and sustainability of the international supply chains.

This has forced some major maritime lines to take alternative routes other than the Suez Canal, thus consuming more time, upping operation costs and causing more carbon emissions.

He noted that the war accelerated food shortage, especially in countries suffering from food gap and those depending on food importation.

He underlined the importance of promoting cooperation among world countries, noting that the meeting coincides with the unprecedented Israeli escalation in Gaza and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the unqiue strategic location of the Arab region that has a great impact on international transport movement.

He added that transport is one of the key pillars of economic and social growth.

He referred to Egypt's cooperation in the transport domain with Sudan in paving Wadi Hifa port as well as establishing an express train on the Egyptian-Libyan borders.