Ashraf AboArafe
Vice Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, received General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan, at the SCA headquarters in Ismailia. The Pakistani delegation also included Ambassador Amer Shaukat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Cairo, and was welcomed in the presence of Vice Admiral Ashraf Atwa, Vice Chairman of the Authority.
The meeting took place as part of General Mirza’s official visit to Egypt and focused on exploring avenues of mutual cooperation between the two countries.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Rabie welcomed the Pakistani delegation, expressing deep appreciation for the longstanding partnership and friendship between Egypt and Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation, particularly in maritime and trade sectors.
Rabie reiterated the Suez Canal’s unwavering commitment to supporting global trade flows, despite ongoing regional challenges—most notably, the current disruptions in the Red Sea. He highlighted the Authority’s proactive approach in maintaining open communication with major shipping lines, offering reassurance and flexible pricing strategies, while introducing new maritime services tailored to clients’ evolving needs.
“The Suez Canal remains the most sustainable and efficient route for global trade,” Rabie said, “delivering significant savings in time, distance, and fuel consumption, while reducing harmful emissions in the marine environment.”
For his part, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza praised the historical and cultural ties between Egypt and Pakistan, noting their shared values and similar geopolitical challenges.
He affirmed the Suez Canal’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of global east-west trade and underscored the international maritime community’s recognition of the Canal as the fastest and shortest navigational route.
“Bypassing the Suez Canal is not a viable option,” General Mirza emphasized, “as it would destabilize global supply chains and significantly increase operational costs and marine insurance premiums.”
The Pakistani military leader also commended Egypt’s strategic efforts in modernizing infrastructure and transforming the Canal Zone into a global logistics and industrial hub with high economic potential.
The visit included a live simulation of vessel transit at the SCA’s Maritime Training and Simulation Center, followed by a tour of the New Suez Canal, the Suez Canal Yacht Marina in Ismailia, and the Suez Canal Museum.
George Safwat, official Spokesperson, Suez Canal Authority
