Leipzig: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, actively participated in the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit, hosted in Leipzig, Germany, from May 21 to 23. This summit, organized under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), gathered transport ministers, international organizations, private sector representatives, experts, and academics to discuss the future of transport.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed underscored Bahrain's integrated strategy aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of its transport and logistics systems. He detailed the Kingdom's strategic approach, which is based on three key pillars: digital transformation, public-private partnerships, and human capital development. This strategy aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and aims to improve the nation's preparedness in addressing global challenges such as climate change, cyber threats, geopolitical instability, and fluctuations in energy markets.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed also outlined Bahrain's strategic initiatives to bolster maritime transport and ensure the continuity of supply chains. These initiatives include digital truck scheduling, the National Port Community System, round-the-clock operations at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, and the Bahrain Global Sea-Air Hub, a pioneering project in the region designed to efficiently link maritime and air cargo services.
During ministerial discussions, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted the critical role of public-private collaboration in maintaining the continuity of passenger and freight movement during both normal and crisis situations. He stressed the need to reinforce institutional and legislative frameworks that promote such cooperation, contributing to sustainable development goals.
Additionally, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed explored the latest advancements in smart transport technologies, logistics solutions, and sustainable infrastructure at the summit's accompanying exhibition. He also conducted several meetings with transport ministers, senior officials, and representatives of international organizations to emphasize Bahrain's commitment to expanding strategic partnerships and exchanging expertise in the transport sector, reinforcing its role as a regional logistics hub.
In discussions with Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services of Saudi Arabia, the focus was on strategic cooperation areas. Meetings with Abdelssamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Morocco, centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in transport and infrastructure development. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed also engaged with Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, to discuss deepening economic and technical cooperation between Bahrain and Germany.
Concluding his visit, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed met with Dr. Young Tae Kim, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum, reaffirming Bahrain's commitment to international collaboration in developing innovative, resilient, and efficient transport and logistics networks for a more sustainable future.