Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie discussed with Second Deputy Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives Lertsak Pathanachaiyakul and Thai Ambassador to Cairo Thanawat Sirikul ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides, strengthen bilateral relations and exchange expertise in areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the authority’s headquarters in Ismailia, Rabie said the Suez Canal continues to perform its role as a vital link between East and West and as one of the pillars underpinning the stability and sustainability of global supply chains, despite the current challenges in the region.
He explained that development in the Suez Canal region has witnessed a major boost, noting that the authority has sought to strengthen its position as a key source of national income by diversifying its revenue streams. Rabie pointed to the authority’s success in localizing the production of various types of marine units to meet the operational requirements of the canal and Egyptian ports, in addition to opening new avenues for exports abroad.
He also noted that the Suez Canal has introduced a package of new maritime services to meet customers’ needs under both normal and emergency conditions. These include ship maintenance and repair, maritime rescue, marine medical assistance, pollution control, waste collection and other services.
For his part, the Thai Second Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation for the visit, which marked his first visit to the Suez Canal, and voiced interest in exploring opportunities to enhance economic cooperation. He underscored the canal’s strategic importance in ensuring the sustainability of global supply chains, praising the authority’s efforts in managing crises and addressing various challenges.
He also expressed his keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority and benefit from its extensive expertise in dredging and training. Meanwhile, Thai Ambassador to Cairo Thanawat Sirikul affirmed that avenues for cooperation between the two sides could extend to other fields, including maritime and cultural tourism.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Rabie affirmed the authority’s readiness to launch practical cooperation in training through the Suez Canal Maritime Training and Simulation Academy. He presented the Thai Second Deputy Speaker with the Suez Canal’s new shield, while the latter presented Rabie with a commemorative gift in return.
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