Rabie: "The Suez Canal continues to fulfill its role despite current challenges."

Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, received a high-level delegation led by Mr Lertsak Pattanachaikul ( Pheu Thai Party), Second Deputy Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives, accompanied by Mr Tanawat Sirikul, the Thai Ambassador to Cairo, at the Authority’s headquarters in the Guidance Building in the Ismailia Governorate.

The Thai visiting delegation

Announced during his official visit to Egypt, this development is part of the fruitful cooperation and joint coordination between the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs. The delegation included representatives from the Thai House of Representatives and officials from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand in Cairo.

Discussions about potential areas of cooperation between the two parties

The meeting included discussions about potential areas of cooperation between the two parties, how to strengthen bilateral relations, and the exchange of expertise in areas of mutual interest. At the start of the meeting, Admiral Osama Rabie emphasised that, despite current challenges in the region, the Suez Canal continues to fulfil its role as a vital link between East and West and a key pillar of the stability and sustainability of global supply chains.

Development in the Canal region

The Authority’s Chairman stated that development in the Canal region has witnessed an unprecedented surge, supported by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He noted that the Suez Canal has sought to reinforce its position as a key contributor to national income by diversifying its revenue streams, and added that it has successfully localised the manufacture of various marine vessels to meet operational needs within the Canal and at Egyptian ports, while also opening up new export opportunities.

A new range of maritime services

Admiral Rabie also highlighted the introduction of a new range of maritime services designed to meet client needs in both routine and emergencies. These include ship maintenance and repair, marine salvage, marine ambulance services, pollution control, and waste collection.

Exploring opportunities to enhance economic cooperation 

For his part, Mr Lertsak Pattanachaikul, the Second Deputy Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives, indicated his interest in exploring opportunities to enhance economic cooperation during his visit to the Suez Canal, his first visit. He emphasised the strategic importance of the Suez Canal in ensuring the sustainability of global supply chains and commended the Authority’s efforts in crisis management and in overcoming various challenges. Mr Pattanachaikul also expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority, leveraging its extensive expertise in dredging and training.

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Tanawat Sirikul, the Thai ambassador to Cairo, emphasised that cooperation between the two countries could be extended to other areas, such as maritime and cultural tourism.

At the end of the meeting, Admiral Rabie confirmed that the Authority was ready to start cooperating with the Suez Canal Academy for Maritime Training and Simulation in the field of training.

Stated by George Safwat, Official Spokesperson for the Suez Canal Authority.

#SCA #Admiral Osama Rabie #Thai House of Representatives # Lertsak Pattanachaikul #Tanawat Sirikul