Transportation Minister participates in ITF Summit
Berlin, May 22 (BNA): Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit, held in Leipzig, Federal Republic of Germany, from May 21 to 23. Organised under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the summit brings together transport ministers, international organisations, private sector representatives, experts, and academics.
During his participation, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted Bahrain’s integrated strategy to enhance the resilience and sustainability of its transport and logistics systems. He outlined the Kingdom’s proactive approach, built on three pillars: digital transformation, public-private partnership, and human capital development. He noted that this strategy supports Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and improves preparedness to address global challenges such as climate change, cyber threats, geopolitical instability, and energy market fluctuations.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed also reviewed Bahrain’s strategic initiatives to strengthen maritime transport and maintain continuity in supply chains. These include digital truck scheduling, the National Port Community System, 24-hour operations at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, and the Bahrain Global Sea-Air Hub, which is the first of its kind in the region and designed to efficiently link maritime and air cargo services.
In his remarks during ministerial discussions, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration to ensure the continuity of passenger and freight movement during both normal circumstances and times of crisis. He emphasised the need to strengthen institutional and legislative frameworks that support such cooperation and contribute to sustainable development goals.
On the sidelines of the summit, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed toured the accompanying exhibition and reviewed the latest developments in smart transport technologies, logistics solutions, and sustainable infrastructure.
He also held a series of meetings with transport ministers, senior officials, and representatives of international organisations. These meetings emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships and exchanging expertise in the transport sector, in support of its role as a regional logistics hub.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed met with Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to discuss areas of strategic cooperation.
He also met with Abdelssamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco, to review ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in transport and infrastructure development.
In a meeting with Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasised Bahrain’s interest in deepening economic and technical cooperation with Germany in support of shared development priorities.
At the conclusion of his visit, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed met with Dr. Young Tae Kim, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum, and reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to international cooperation in developing innovative, resilient, and efficient transport and logistics networks to support a more sustainable future.
