Egyptian Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir announced that Egypt and Libya will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend a railway line from the Egyptian city of Sallum to the Libyan city of Benghazi.
This significant agreement is set to be signed after the Eid al-Adha holiday, marking a major step towards strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.
During the first International Forum of the New Development Bank held in Cairo, El-Wazir highlighted the importance of this project. He emphasiسed that the new railway line aims to enhance economic cooperation and facilitate the movement of trade and goods between Egypt and Libya. By improving connectivity, the project is expected to boost bilateral trade, making it easier and more efficient to transport goods across the border.
The proposed railway line will cover a distance of 750 kilometres and will be constructed in phases. The total cost of this ambitious project is estimated to be around $23 billion. This substantial investment reflects the commitment of both countries to develop infrastructure that supports economic growth and regional integration.
The new railway line is anticipated to bring numerous benefits. It will not only ease the transportation of goods but also reduce the cost and time involved in cross-border trade. Additionally, it is expected to create job opportunities and stimulate economic activities in the regions along the railway route. This project is seen as a strategic initiative to enhance the economic landscape of both Egypt and Libya.
El-Wazir’s announcement underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnership between Egypt and Libya. By working together on such large-scale infrastructure projects, the two countries aim to build a more integrated and prosperous future for their citizens. The railway line from Sallum to Benghazi represents a tangible step towards achieving this goal, demonstrating the potential for collaboration and development in the region.
The MoU signing after Eid al-Adha will mark the official start of this significant project. It will pave the way for detailed planning and implementation phases, ensuring that the railway line is constructed efficiently and meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
