Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, received on Wednesday the Malaysian Ambassador to Cairo, Dato’ Muhammad Tarid Sufian, to discuss avenues of joint co-operation in maritime training and aquaculture, and to explore ways of strengthening bilateral collaboration and exchanging expertise in areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Lieutenant General Rabie reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to expanding co-operation with friendly and partner nations, and to enhancing coordination in maritime and technical fields.
He explained that the SCA operates an integrated system of navigational and maritime services, supported by a specialised maritime training academy that prepares and qualifies personnel in pilotage, dredging, towing and related maritime disciplines.
He further noted that the authority has achieved self-sufficiency through strengthening its maritime fleet with locally manufactured marine units.
“The authority has also begun exporting its products to the European market, reflecting its growing industrial and commercial capabilities,” Rabie stated, extending an invitation to Malaysian companies to consider investment opportunities in various development projects along the Suez Canal corridor.
For his part, Malaysian ambassador expressed his appreciation for the role of the Suez Canal Authority and his country’s keenness to enhance co-operation, particularly in maritime training, aquaculture and marine industries, through the signing of a memorandum of understanding for joint collaboration.
The Malaysian ambassador also emphasised the strategic importance of the Suez Canal to the international maritime community, given its role in significantly reducing navigation distance and transit time.
He expressed hope for stability in the region and a return to normal canal traffic levels, while reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness to strengthen co-operation and exchange expertise with the SCA.
