Egypt signs transport pact with Turkey and unveils new Arab trade corridors

Egypt and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation on maritime routes and strategic transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor and the Iraqi Development Road. The agreement, signed by Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Kamel El‑Wazir and Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, aims to improve transit transport, logistics networks and explore additional routes with neighbouring countries.

Separately, Egypt announced plans for two international Arab trade corridors linking Europe with the Gulf through Egyptian territory. The northern corridor will run via the Arish‑Taba line to Jordan, Iraq and Syria, while the southern corridor will connect Europe to the Gulf via Safaga Port and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Port. Both corridors will integrate ports on the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Suez Canal with railways, high‑speed lines, highways and logistics zones, complementing initiatives such as the India‑Middle East‑Europe Economic Corridor, China’s Belt and Road, and the Iraq‑Turkey Development Road. The projects are part of President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi’s strategy to position Egypt as a regional logistics hub and to boost trade, reduce transport costs and shorten cargo transit times.