In the presence of Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, the Port of Beirut and the Port of Marseille Fos signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding in Marseille, France, marking the beginning of a new chapter of strategic cooperation between the two ports.
The agreement marks a new phase of institutional, commercial, and technical cooperation between the two ports and aims to strengthen the strategic position of the Port of Beirut within the Mediterranean region.
The signing ceremony was attended by Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Port of Marseille Fos, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, representatives of key port sectors and French national and local authorities as well as Lebanon's Ambassador to France Rabih El Chaer and Lebanon's Consul General and General Coordinator in Marseille Ralph Matar.
According to the Ministry, the three-year Memorandum of Understanding is designed to further develop relations between the two ports and restructure areas of cooperation to support the modernization of operations at the Port of Beirut. The agreement also promotes collaboration in commercial development, technical cooperation, innovation, energy transition, and sustainable port operations.
It further provides for joint initiatives to encourage and expand trade flows between the Eastern Mediterranean—particularly Lebanon—and Europe through coordinated commercial promotion and the exploration of new business opportunities. In addition, the partnership will strengthen cooperation in maritime connectivity, logistics services, transport systems, digitalization, emissions reduction, and the decarbonization of port activities.
During the ceremony, Minister Fayez Rasamny expressed his pride in being in Marseille, describing the city as one that holds a special place in the history of the Mediterranean and shares long-standing and deep-rooted ties with Lebanon. "The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding represents a new milestone in the relationship between the Grand Port Maritime of Marseille and the Port of Beirut."
Rasamny added, "Our objective is clear: to transform the Port of Beirut into a more modern, efficient, transparent, and fully integrated hub within the major international trade networks."
The Minister said also that both sides look forward to expanding trade, strengthening capacities, fostering innovation, and exploring opportunities arising from emerging economic corridors linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Europe, particularly through initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
"What is being strengthened today extends beyond cooperation between our two ports; it also reinforces the bonds of friendship between France and Lebanon."
Concluding his remarks, Rasamny thanked the Port of Marseille Fos, its leadership, management, and staff for their trust, commitment, and spirit of cooperation. The Minister also expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in bringing the agreement to fruition, voicing confidence that the partnership will deliver tangible results, create new economic opportunities, and further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. "Together, let us make the Mediterranean not a boundary that separates us, but a bridge connecting our peoples, our economies, and our shared aspirations."
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