Hany Azer, the Prime Minister's transportation advisor, said the huge success of the economic conference was unexpected, adding that "it is as if the whole world had elected President al-Sisi." According to Azer, German officials, after meeting with President al-Sisi, said they were willing to offer help to Egypt. For instance, Siemens plans to provide 13,000 MW of electricity, through an investment of US$10 billion, which would resolve 50 percent of Egypt's electricity deficit. He also ponted to the necessity of developing the Egyptian railway and road system.
Q: What is your view on the economic conference?
A: It proved that the whole world loves President al-Sisi, not just all Egyptians. Many foreign guests told me that the Egyptians elected al-Sisi through ballot boxes, while the whole world elected him during the conference. Also, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, invited him for an official visi to Germany. The conference is only the beginning of a long process.
Q: Did you expect the conference to succeed?
A: No I did not, nor did many foreign participants. I wanted to go kiss al-Sisi when he asked the youth to take a picture with him, so as to show them that they play an important role. Joe Kaeser, the CEO of Siemens, told me that he found al-Sisi to be strong and patriotic personality. He said the company will provide 13,000 MW of electricity via an investment of $10 billion, which will be paid back over 12 years. This would resolve 50 percent of our energy deficit. The German Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel said Sisi has a truly strategic vision and pledged to assist Egypt in every possible way. He said that it seems Egypt and Germany will be friends again.
Q: What is your role in improving German-Egyptian relations?
A: Living in Germany, I have arranged several meetings for German officials, such as former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who told me that he wanted to meet with President al-Sisi. Also, the CEO of Siemens promised that the company would implement projects in as little time as possible and at the lowest costs in the areas of energy, medical equipment, household appliances, railways and fast trains.
Q: What has changed the international attitudes toward Egypt?
A: The attitudes changed when the international community realized that President al-Sisi and Prime Minister Mehleb are really working hard.
Q: What were the most important transport projects presented at the conference?
A: The most important project was the railway line connect Suez and Al-Helmeya, which will be built in cooperation with China. But we need more lines to connect the governorates, in addition to the main fast line.
Q: When will the fast line between Alexandria and Aswan be built?
A: I am meeting with the head of the Railway Authority for that purpose.
Q: When will the ordinary Egyptian citizen feel the results of the economic conference?
A: When he sees all the projects being implemented on the ground. People do not care for contracts. They want to see finished products.
Q: When will train accidents stop?
A: We must educate people. There are 4000 unofficial crossings that residents open to cross railway lines in the villages. The railways have been neglected for 50 years, so it will cost a lot to improve them.
Q: Have you suggested to the president or the government that the railways should be a national project?
A: Not yet, because I was busy with other projects. However, I will discuss it with them soon.
Q: Has Egypt benefitted from Egyptian scientists living abroad?
A: Egypt is now benefiting from them more than before. And as far as I am concerned, I am willing to serve the country that I was raised in.
Q: What are the real causes of road accidents?
A: The behaviour of the drivers, who do not follow the traffic rules. This is an issue we really need to avoid in the new capital.
Q: Could it be because the law is not strict?
A: I believe public awareness is more important.
Q: What do you think of the new Ministry for Technical Education?
A: It means the state understands the problem and the importance of the labor force, since technical education is pivotal for the economy.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
