Working with Germany on transport networks

Strengthening co-operation between Egypt and Germany in transport topped the agenda of official talks on Monday.

Minister of Transport Kamel el-Wazir and German Ambassador in Cairo Frank Hartmann reviewed a number of development projects being implemented by German companies across the country.

The projects include the 2,000-kilomtre high-speed electric train network and tunnels in Greater Cairo and under the Suez Canal bored by the German company Herrenknecht.

Four machines supplied by Herrneknecht to dig the fourth metro line will be shipped from Germany later this month, the minister said, adding that he is looking forward to exchanging expertise with the German side in technology in this field.

The German ambassador affirmed his country’s keenness to open new horizons of co-operation with Egypt in education, industry, energy and transport.

The minister told the German envoy that the Egyptian government is seeking to turn Egypt into a major global hub for transport and logistics thanks to its unique geographical location.

El-Wazir said his ministry is working with its partners to develop the Egyptian transport system in accordance with the latest global standards.

In May, Egypt signed a contract with Siemens for a 2,000-kilometre high-speed rail network at a total cost of LE360 billion ($23 billion).

In August, the Ministry of Transport, represented by the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), signed a preliminary agreement with a consortium of the German railway company Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Egyptian private-sector company El-Sewedi Electric on the management and operation of the new network.