Business Reception to Strengthen Trade Cooperation Between Slovenian Koper Port and Egyptian Transport Authorities in Cairo
DT (Cairo): Doaa Mohamed
A business reception for the Slovenian Port of Koper was held in Cairo, bringing together a significant number of officials and business leaders from both Slovenia and Egypt. The event featured speeches from H.E. Mr. Sašo Podlesnik, Slovenian Ambassador to Egypt, and Rear Admiral Nihad Shahin, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Transport for Maritime Transport and Logistics. The gathering highlighted the strategic importance of the Port of Koper and aimed to foster stronger institutional and commercial ties between the two nations.
High-Level Attendees
Over 100 representatives from business associations, companies, and institutions from both countries attended the event. Among the prominent guests were Mr. Essam El-Shazly, Mr. Gregor Beli, a board member of Port of Koper, and Honorary Consul of Slovenia, Ms. Anita Dravi. Also present were representatives from the Egyptian Shipping Association, the Maritime Transport Committee, and the Alexandria Chamber of Shipping, underscoring the critical role that maritime logistics play in bilateral trade relations.
Ambassador’s Remarks
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Podlesnik welcomed Rear Admiral Nihad Shahin, emphasizing the vital role the Port of Koper plays in Slovenia’s economy and its growing importance in trade with Egypt. “This event, co-organized by the Port of Koper and the Slovenian Embassy, serves to spotlight the exceptional infrastructure of Slovenian ports and the critical role they play in our national economy, while also exploring new avenues for cooperation with Egypt,” the ambassador stated.
He continued, “It has been several years since our last initiative of this kind, and with the strong interest shown today, it is the perfect time to reconnect and strengthen our ties.”
Strong Economic Ties Between Slovenia and Egypt
Slovenia and Egypt share a long-standing diplomatic and commercial relationship spanning over 32 years. Egypt remains Slovenia’s primary partner in Africa, with recent years seeing significant progress in bilateral relations, marked by high-level visits and the identification of new areas for collaboration.
During former Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry’s official visit to Slovenia in February, the second session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Committee was held, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as transport and logistics.
Port of Koper: Egypt’s Gateway to Europe
The Port of Koper, Slovenia’s only international seaport, plays a crucial role as Egypt’s gateway to Europe, particularly Central Europe. Known for its strategic location, high-quality services, advanced hinterland connections, and state-of-the-art handling technology, the port is a key player in Mediterranean and Adriatic maritime trade.
The Slovenian Ambassador emphasized the port’s partnerships with Egypt’s ports of Alexandria and Damietta, noting its potential to enhance trade links between the two regions. “Several Egyptian companies have already realized the advantages of collaborating with the Port of Koper, and I hope that today’s event will open doors to even more business opportunities,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Growth
In closing, Ambassador Podlesnik expressed optimism about the future of Slovenian-Egyptian trade relations, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation in the transport and logistics sectors. He noted that the Port of Koper, recognized as an economic ambassador for Slovenia, will remain a pivotal partner for Egypt in its efforts to bolster trade with Europe.
He concluded, “This event offers ample opportunities to explore new commercial possibilities, and we look forward to strengthening the bilateral cooperation that has already been so beneficial for both countries.”
Conclusion
The business reception for the Port of Koper in Cairo marks a significant step towards enhancing economic ties between Slovenia and Egypt, with a focus on maritime transport and logistics. By fostering collaboration and exploring new opportunities, both nations stand to benefit from the strategic position of the Port of Koper as a key hub for trade between Europe and Africa.
