Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, held a virtual meeting with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, to discuss expanding cooperation across various transport sectors. The meeting was also attended by Italy's Ambassador to Cairo, Michele Quaroni, and Egypt's Deputy Minister of Transport, Wagdy Radwan. Minister El-Wazir emphasized Egypt's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Italy in transport and industrial development. He highlighted Egypt's investment-friendly climate and reaffirmed the government's dedication to fostering collaboration with both international and local private sector entities. One of the key topics of discussion was the ongoing negotiations between Egypt's Ministry of Transport and the Italian State Railways Company regarding a proposal for managing and operating Egypt's high-speed rail network. The officials also reviewed cooperation with Italian company MERMEC, which is involved in various railway sectors, including the supply of a railway inspection machine and the modernization of signaling systems on the El-Ferdan–Bir El-Abd line. Both sides stressed the importance of localizing railway signaling system manufacturing by establishing a MERMEC production facility in Egypt. Discussions also focused on the Egyptian-Italian Ro-Ro shipping line, which facilitates regular voyages between Damietta Port in Egypt and Trieste Port in Italy, extending further to Oria and vice versa. El-Wazir underscored the significance of this maritime route, describing it as a sustainable trade corridor for refrigerated and dry cargo, as well as a symbol of enduring friendship between Egypt and Italy. To further solidify their partnership, Minister El-Wazir invited Minister Salvini to visit Egypt for in-depth discussions involving experts from both countries. The talks aim to develop a comprehensive roadmap for future cooperation in transport and infrastructure. Salvini welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Italy's commitment to expanding collaboration, recognizing Egypt's strategic role as a regional transport hub and its attractive investment environment. Both nations expressed a shared commitment to deepening their transport cooperation and establishing a long-term strategic partnership to support mutual economic growth and development.
