Minister of Transport of Egypt H E Vice Admiral Eng Kamel Elwazir visiting Hamad Port, where he was briefed on the operational processes. The minister listened to a detailed explanation from professionals representing Mwani Qatar on the components of the port, its development phases and future plans.
Doha: Minister of Transport of the Arab Republic of Egypt H E Lieutenant General Eng Kamel Abdel Hadi El Wazir, affirmed that the great developments that Qatar is witnessing in the field of infrastructure and the size of the achievements in these projects qualify it to host a successful and honourable edition of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), he added that he was very pleased with what he saw during his visit. He said the developments on the ground in infrastructure, especially in maritime transport, the subway, electric buses, roads, bridges, wonderful stadiums and giant sports facilities, as well as Hamad Port, and the size of the achievements in these areas, are projects that qualify Qatar to host a successful tournament.
The minister explained that the most important thing that drew his attention as an engineer with great experience in construction and infrastructure was the renaissance witnessed by Qatar in roads and bridges that enjoy international specifications, as well as distinguished buildings, integrated sports facilities and the metro network. He described them as very distinguished and the latest in the world, comparable to those of more developed countries such as Japan and France, praising at the same time the fast frequency of BRT buses that integrate with the metro network.
He noted the maritime development in Qatar especially Hamad Port, considering this a great achievement to be reckoned with Qatar and its people among other giant projects being implemented in the State.
The minister stressed that Qatar’s comprehensive transport plan 2022/2050 coincides with Egypt’s transport strategy 2050 in the quality of services and the transition to green, sustainable and environmentally friendly mass transit, which depends mainly on electricity.
Lt Gen El Wazir explained that the two strategies focus on the importance of mass transit as it is a key factor in facilitating people’s live, increasing and accelerating movement and easing traffic congestion, noting that Egypt heavily relies on its public transport system between cities or with neighbouring countries. The minister added that Qatar has the same ideas and strategies in terms of linking with neighbouring Arab countries by train or new means of land transportation, which is similar in interests between the two countries.
In the field of maritime transport, the minister said Egypt is open to all countries and is implementing 35km of berths in Egyptian ports, the most important of which are on the Red Sea “Safaga and Ain Sukhna,” and on the Mediterranean Sea “Alexandria, Damietta and Port Said.”
He said Qatar has great interest in Hamad Port, which is witnessing continuous development, and represents a great similarity in the strategic plan of the two countries.
On whether there is cooperation between the Qatari and Egyptian ministries of transport, Lt Gen El Wazir said that there are plans for major projects in this context, whether in ports and maritime transport or green, sustainable and environmentally friendly electric transport such as the “monorail” and the electric light train.
He explained that this visit, which is the first to Doha since he took office, represents an opportunity to learn about the huge infrastructure projects implemented by Qatar and the role that Egyptian companies can play in these vital sectors. Regarding the visit of the QTerminals team from Qatar, to study investment opportunities in the project to complete and develop Sokhna Port, the minister explained that there is a sincere desire of Qatari officials to increase cooperation between the two countries.
He said that some points are currently being discussed and the capabilities of each party are identified, expressing his hope that a memorandum of understanding will be signed in the near future, followed by an agreement and the signing of actual contracts, and that QTerminals will be a partner of the Egyptian Ministry of Transport in managing and operating a large terminal in Sokhna Port.
The minister also called on Qatari investors to enter the Egyptian market, especially since Egypt always opens its arms to all its Arab brothers, especially Qatar, to implement large and joint development projects that benefit both countries.
