Riyadh, February 17 (QNA) - Mwani Qatar and Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen maritime and logistics cooperation, aiming to develop the ports sector, boost operational efficiency, and support regional and international trade flows.

 The MoU was signed by CEO of Mwani Qatar, Capt. Abdulla Mohamed Al khanji, and HE President of the Saudi Ports Authority, Eng. Sulaiman bin Khalid Al Mazroua.

The signing took place in the presence of HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, and several officials from both sides.

"This step comes within the framework of both parties' keenness to build effective partnerships, exchange expertise, and create a structured framework for managing cooperation, exchanging experiences, and developing joint investment opportunities, in a way that achieves the strategic interests of both parties in light of Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030", a statement by Mwani Qatar reported on Tuesday.

The memorandum encompasses eight main areas of cooperation, most notably the exchange of best practices in port management and operation, as well as exploring opportunities for direct maritime and land connectivity between the ports of the two countries to enhance the smoothness of trade movement.

 The memorandum also includes cooperation in logistical services and cross-border transit movements, exploring opportunities to establish joint maritime corridors serving intra-regional trade, and studying the possibility of establishing joint regional distribution centers.

In the aspect of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the two parties agreed to enhance cooperation in developing smart systems, data governance, and the unified maritime single window, to raise the level of operational efficiency and keep pace with technical developments in the maritime sector.

The memorandum pays great attention to maritime safety and environmental protection, as it includes the exchange of expertise in combating marine pollution and emergency response, developing joint maritime emergency plans, and establishing an emergency communication line between the two countries, in addition to cooperation in areas of compliance with international agreements, implementing joint exercises, and developing risk monitoring systems.

The cooperation between the two parties also covers the development of human resources through joint training programs and the exchange of field competencies, in addition to academic and research cooperation in the fields of maritime transport and logistics.

In the field of joint investment, the two parties will work on studying local and global investment opportunities in ports and supporting services and coordinating with the private sector to support these opportunities.

 The memorandum also includes cooperation in cruise tourism by enhancing maritime tourism connectivity and joint promotion of cruises in the Gulf, in addition to international and regional representation through coordinating positions in international maritime organizations and supporting joint initiatives, most notably "Green Ports" and "Safe Maritime Corridors".

This memorandum reflects the commitment of Mwani Qatar and the Saudi Ports Authority to developing the ports sector and enhancing its role as a key driver of trade and economy, contributing to supporting Gulf integration and raising the level of regional competitiveness in the maritime sector and maritime services. (QNA)