Wednesday 22 Jan
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received, Tuesday, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, in the presence of Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, the official spokesperson for the Presidency, stated that the meeting reaffirmed both sides' commitment to continued cooperation within the organization's scope of work. Egypt's strong maritime capabilities – including the Suez Canal, and extensive coastlines on both the Mediterranean and Red Sea, were highlighted.
The discussion focused on
enhancing cooperation in environmental protection, climate change mitigation,
and renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen. Egypt's efforts to become a
global green hydrogen hub were highlighted, emphasizing their potential to
contribute to the organization's goal of promoting alternative fuels in
shipping. The meeting explored ways for the organization to facilitate the
transfer of international expertise in green hydrogen technology and support
the development of necessary infrastructure (such as in ports and major
maritime corridors) in developing countries.
The Secretary-General commended
Egypt's significant progress in port services in recent years, recognizing its
contribution to facilitating global navigation and supporting global supply
chains effectively and sustainably. He expressed his gratitude to the President
for the state's efforts in this area.
The spokesperson clarified that
the meeting also addressed the situation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,
emphasizing the need to restore security in this crucial region for
international maritime trade routes. The President highlighted the
organization's unique role in facilitating dialogue between relevant
international and regional parties, as well as stakeholders in the maritime
shipping sector.
The President expressed Egypt's aspiration to de-escalate tensions in the region, building upon the successful ceasefire agreement in Gaza and as part of broader efforts to restore regional security.
