MUSCAT: Oman and Sudan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in ports, maritime transport and logistics following talks between senior officials and the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting economic development.
Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, met Saif Al Nasr al Tijani, Sudan's Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, who is visiting the Sultanate of Oman.
The two sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in transport, ports and logistics services, as well as ways to develop partnerships that serve the economic interests of both countries.
The discussions were accompanied by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Asyad Ports and Free Zones, a subsidiary of the Asyad Group, and Sudan's Sea Ports Corporation.
The agreement is intended to strengthen collaboration in port management, maritime transport and logistics services while supporting supply chain development and maritime integration between Oman and Sudan.
Under the memorandum, the two parties will cooperate in areas including port planning and development, maritime infrastructure and the exchange of technical and administrative expertise.
The agreement also provides for training programmes, workshops and reciprocal visits aimed at building institutional capabilities and sharing operational experience between the two countries.
A key focus of the partnership will be digital transformation within the ports sector. The two sides agreed to explore the adoption of modern technologies and international best practices in port management and operations to improve efficiency and service quality.
Officials said the memorandum would create a framework for exploring future joint projects and investment opportunities that could strengthen maritime trade links and enhance logistical connectivity between Oman and Sudan.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Oman by Omar bin Mahmoud al Mahrizi, Chief Executive Officer of Asyad Ports and Free Zones, and on behalf of Sudan by Eng. Consultant Gilani Mohamed Gilani, Director-General of the Sea Ports Corporation.
The move reflects Oman's broader efforts to expand international cooperation across the logistics and maritime sectors, which are key pillars of the Sultanate of Oman's economic diversification strategy and ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub. — ONA
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