Minister of Public Works calls for building an integrated Arab system for transport and logistics

Alexandria -- Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan called for the establishment of an integrated Arab transport and logistics system based on strengthening links between Arab countries, exchanging information and expertise, developing joint coordination mechanisms, and raising readiness and emergency response levels, thereby ensuring the continuity of supply chains and enhancing Arab economic security. This was stated in a speech by Minister Al-Mashaan today, Tuesday, at the opening of the 39th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Transport, held at the headquarters of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria.

Minister Al-Mashaan said, “I am pleased to meet with you today at this important Arab forum, which embodies the depth of fraternal ties among our countries and underscores our shared commitment to elevating the transport sector as a key driver of economic development and a cornerstone of integration and interconnection among Arab states.”

She expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport for its excellent hospitality and generous hosting, commending the considerable efforts of the Academy’s President, Dr. Ismail Abdel Gaffar, in supporting joint Arab work and developing the transport and logistics system. She also extended her thanks and appreciation to the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States for its continuous efforts in preparing and organizing the Council’s sessions and following up on the implementation of its decisions and recommendations, thereby enhancing the trajectory of cooperation and coordination among Arab countries.

She emphasized the importance of holding the meeting in light of the rapid developments and growing challenges facing the region, including Iranian aggression targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, which constitutes a blatant violation of state sovereignty, principles of good neighborliness, and international law, given that such actions pose a direct threat to the security and stability of the region.

In this regard, she pointed to the ongoing terrorist attacks launched by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which clearly demonstrate the severity of such threats to the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity, “necessitating a unified and responsible Arab stance to confront anything that undermines the security of our countries and the stability of the region.”

Minister Al-Mashaan stressed that these challenges “have directly impacted the transport sector and supply chains at both the regional and international levels, placing upon us a doubled responsibility to develop the transport system, enhance its adaptability and responsiveness to changes, and ensure the continuity of services and trade flows under all circumstances.”

She clarified that transport is no longer merely a means of moving people and goods; it has become a fundamental element in achieving economic security, enhancing national competitiveness, and ensuring the delivery of essential goods and supplies to societies.

She added, “From this perspective, the topics on our Council’s agenda hold particular importance, as they encompass efforts to develop land, maritime, and multimodal transport; strengthen links between Arab transport networks; update regulatory and legislative frameworks; improve safety and efficiency standards; and support digital transformation and sustainability in this vital sector.”

Minister Al-Mashaan expressed hope that the meeting’s discussions would yield practical decisions and recommendations that enhance integration among transport systems in Arab countries, facilitate the flow of trade and cross-border transport, and elevate joint coordination to address future challenges.

She stated that the exceptional developments and circumstances witnessed in the region have demonstrated that supply chain resilience is no longer an option but has become a strategic necessity requiring advance preparedness, effective coordination, and rapid response. In this context, she affirmed that the State of Kuwait, in cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and relevant national authorities, has taken a set of exceptional measures to ensure the continuity of transport operations and enhance supply chain resilience. She noted that these measures reflected the importance of integration among national entities and coordination with Arab countries, emphasizing the need to strengthen the readiness and resilience of transport systems to ensure the continuity of supply chains in the face of exceptional circumstances.

With the conclusion of Kuwait’s chairmanship of the Council, Minister Al-Mashaan extended her sincere thanks and appreciation to the Arab ministers, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, and all concerned parties for their cooperation and commendable efforts in supporting the work of the 38th session of the Arab Transport Ministers Council and advancing the course of joint Arab action.

On this occasion, she announced the transfer of the chairmanship of the 39th session of the Arab Transport Ministers Council to the Egyptian Minister of Transport, Major General Engineer Kamal al-Wazir, wishing him success and prosperity in leading the Council’s work, and expressing her hope that the session’s deliberations would yield constructive decisions that contribute to the development, integration, and sustainability of the Arab transport system.

Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan is leading the State of Kuwait’s delegation to the session, which includes Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi. (End) A.S.M. / M.Kh.