Manama:Bahrain and Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in land transport and logistics services. The agreement was signed by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar's Minister of Transport. This signing took place on the sidelines of the 30th meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Transport and Communications of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which was hosted by Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the MoU aims to bolster the longstanding ties between Bahrain and Qatar by facilitating cooperation in key sectors. It seeks to support both countries' aspirations to enhance economic integration and regional connectivity. The agreement opens avenues for collaboration in planning and developing public transport systems, including metro and railway networks, and logistics services. Additionally, it includes exploring options for rail and road connectivity between the two nations and their integration with the GCC Railway Project, alongside the adoption of modern technologies like artificial intelligence and sustainable transport solutions.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted that the MoU would contribute to developing a more efficient and sustainable transport system, improving service quality, and enhancing connectivity within the GCC transport networks. The Qatari Minister of Transport echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the MoU's role in providing a framework for exchanging knowledge on transport infrastructure and strengthening cooperation on connectivity projects. He pointed out that this agreement will leverage both countries' capabilities to advance connectivity projects and improve logistics efficiency.
The MoU also includes provisions for expert exchanges, joint training programs, workshops, and the sharing of research and technical information. These initiatives are aimed at supporting capacity building and the exchange of best practices between Bahrain and Qatar.