Al-Mushaan calls for building an integrated Arab transport and logistics system

Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, today handed over the chairmanship of the 39th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Transport to Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Major General Kamel El-Wazir, during the opening of the session at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, marking the conclusion of Kuwait’s tenure as chair of the Council.

In her opening address, Dr. 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 mechanisms for joint coordination, and enhancing readiness and emergency response capabilities, thereby ensuring the continuity of supply chains and bolstering Arab economic security.

She stated that the exceptional developments and circumstances the region has witnessed have proven that supply chain resilience is no longer an option but a strategic necessity requiring prior preparedness, effective coordination, and rapid response. She emphasized that transport is no longer merely a means of moving people and goods, but has become a fundamental element in achieving economic security, enhancing the competitiveness of nations, and ensuring the delivery of essential goods and supplies to societies.

She underscored the importance of holding the meeting against the backdrop of rapid developments and growing challenges facing the region, including Iranian aggression targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which constitutes a blatant violation of state sovereignty, principles of good neighborliness, and international law. She also cited the ongoing terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressing that these developments necessitate a unified and responsible Arab stance to confront any actions that threaten the security of our countries and regional stability.

She added that these challenges have directly impacted the transport sector and supply chains at both the regional and international levels, noting that Kuwait, in cooperation with GCC member states and relevant national authorities, has taken a series of exceptional measures to ensure the continuity of transport movements and enhance supply chain resilience.

She expressed hope that the session’s discussions would yield practical decisions and recommendations that strengthen integration among Arab transport systems and support the smooth flow of trade and cross-border transport. She pointed out that the Council’s agenda includes efforts to develop land, maritime, and multimodal transport, update regulatory and legislative frameworks, raise safety standards, and support digital transformation and sustainability.

Dr. Al-Mashaan thanked the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport for its excellent hospitality, commending the efforts of its President, Dr. Ismail Abdel-Ghaffar, in supporting joint Arab work. She also extended her gratitude to Arab ministers, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and all concerned parties for their efforts in supporting the Council’s work during the 38th session, and wished Major General Kamel El-Wazir success and guidance in leading the Council’s affairs.