Osama Rabie, the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), affirmed the Authority’s readiness for fruitful and constructive cooperation with the Namibian Ports Authority, in light of the SCA’s expansion of its overseas projects and its drive to open new markets and strengthen engagement with the African continent.
This came during the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in areas of mutual interest between SCA Chairman Osama Rabie and Namibian Ports Authority Chairperson Nangula Hamunyela.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, the SCA said the MoU aims to exchange expertise and enhance bilateral cooperation in several fields, topped by marine construction works, the sale and leasing of marine units, as well as advanced maritime training through the Suez Canal’s maritime training and simulation academies.
Rabie explained that the Suez Canal Authority’s efforts have succeeded in developing Libya’s Sirte Port and reopening it after 14 years of closure, marking a successful first step in the SCA’s overseas projects with friendly and sisterly countries.
He directed that full support be provided and necessary procedures facilitated to launch effective cooperation in various projects, noting that the authority possesses an integrated system for delivering maritime and logistics services through its shipyards and affiliated companies.
For her part, Nangula Hamunyela, the Chairperson of the Namibian Ports Authority, expressed her aspiration to cooperate with the Suez Canal Authority in implementing the ambitious development plan for Namibian ports, which are among the largest in West Africa.
She affirmed that the cooperation reflects the strength of relations between Egypt and Namibia and will contribute to supporting bilateral ties between the two countries.
She added that the MoU represents a valuable opportunity to explore prospects for cooperation across various fields of work, praising the diversity and breadth of the Suez Canal Authority’s capabilities in marine manufacturing, marine construction, and training.
She noted that the SCA’s advanced technology and extensive experience in different fields will help enhance and accelerate the desired development efforts in Namibian ports, instead of relying on foreign expertise and personnel and importing technology from other continents.
