Egypt proposes Suez Canal logistics hub to Austria
Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly called on Austria on Monday to explore establishing a logistics hub in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) to serve as a gateway for Austrian exports to Arab and African markets.
Madbouly raised the proposal during a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atty and Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ihab Awad attended the meeting.
Madbouly congratulated Austria on its election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council starting in 2027, expressing hope that the two countries would strengthen coordination and consultations on regional and international issues during Austria’s term.
He also highlighted Abdel-Atty’s 15-16 July visit to Austria, during which the minister met Stocker and the speaker of the Austrian parliament and held the first round of political consultations between the two countries under a mechanism agreed by their foreign ministers.
Madbouly said Egypt looked forward to holding the ministerial consultations regularly to deepen bilateral relations and coordination on issues of mutual interest.
The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and trade, which Madbouly said remained below the desired level and did not reflect the strength of relations between the two countries.
He called on Austrian companies to explore investment and production opportunities in Egypt, particularly in sectors that could help expand trade and access to regional markets.
Madbouly also expressed interest in closer cooperation with Austria on renewable energy, including solar and wind power, as well as green hydrogen.
He said Austrian companies could expand their investments in these sectors in Egypt, citing the large-scale clean energy projects being pursued by European companies in the country.
Egypt is also keen to strengthen technical and economic cooperation with Austria, including reviving the countries’ joint commission and expanding cooperation on labour mobility, Madbouly said.
He said Egypt’s skilled workforce could help meet Austrian labour market needs across various sectors, building on arrangements with several other European countries.
Stocker reaffirmed the strength of ties between Austria and Egypt and discussed regional developments and the current escalation in the region, according to the statement. In a post on X after the meeting, he said Egypt had become “one of Austria’s most important partners in the region.”
Egypt has become one of Austria’s most important partners in the region. Met Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly today at #UNGA81 to build on that, from growing trade to closer cooperation on jointly combatting illegal migration. 🇦🇹🇪🇬 (BK)
© BKA/Schrötter pic.twitter.com/4NkP8KLiqt
— Christian Stocker (@_CStocker) September 21, 2026
The two sides stressed the need to contain the escalation and reduce tensions, citing its negative impact on supply chains, oil prices, maritime security, and other economic activities.
Madbouly highlighted Egypt’s efforts, led by Sisi, to restore regional security and stability and promote de-escalation. He called for coordinated international efforts to reduce tensions, resume negotiations, and pursue peaceful settlements to preserve regional security and stability.