Memorandum of Understanding Between the Port of Beirut and the Port of Marseille to Strengthen Logistics and Economic Partnership

The three-year memorandum of understanding falls within the framework of developing relations between the two ports and reorganizing areas of cooperation in a way that serves the modernization of operational processes at the Port of Beirut, while enhancing joint work in the fields of commercial development, technical cooperation, innovation, and energy transition.

The memorandum stipulates the encouragement and development of trade flows between the eastern Mediterranean, particularly Lebanon, and Europe, through the implementation of joint initiatives for commercial promotion and the exploration of available opportunities, in addition to strengthening cooperation in maritime connectivity services, logistics services, transport systems, digitalization, emissions reduction, and the decarbonization of port activities.

In remarks delivered during the signing ceremony, Minister Rasamny expressed his pride at being in the city of Marseille, describing it as “a city that holds a special place in the history of the Mediterranean, and which has long-standing, deep, and solid ties with Lebanon.”

He said that the signing of the memorandum of understanding “constitutes a new milestone in the course of relations between the Grand Port Maritime of Marseille and the Port of Beirut,” stressing that it “goes beyond being merely an agreement, as it reflects a shared ambition to build a practical, sustainable partnership oriented toward the future.”

He added: “Lebanon is now engaged in a phase of reconstruction and modernization of its infrastructure, and our goal is clear: to make the Port of Beirut more modern, more efficient, more transparent, and fully integrated into the major networks of international trade.”

Rasamny affirmed that “Marseille, with its expertise, operational excellence, and strategic vision, is a natural partner to support this transformation,” noting that both sides look forward to “developing trade exchanges, strengthening capacities, encouraging innovation, and exploring the opportunities offered by the new economic corridors linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Europe, particularly within the framework of initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).”

He added that “what is being strengthened today is not limited to cooperation between our two ports, but also extends to the bonds of friendship between France and Lebanon,” stressing that “the Lebanese government is determined to implement the necessary reforms and develop infrastructure that meets the highest international standards.”

He stressed that “the Port of Beirut must regain its position as a benchmark logistics platform, serving Lebanon, the region, and our international partners.”

At the conclusion of his remarks, Rasamny thanked “the Grand Port Maritime of Marseille, its president, its management, and all its staff for the trust they have placed in us, and for the commitment and spirit of cooperation they have shown,” and also thanked “all those who contributed to preparing this agreement and bringing it to light.”

He expressed confidence that “this partnership will yield tangible results, create new economic opportunities, and further strengthen the bonds of cooperation between our two countries,” concluding by saying: “Let us make the Mediterranean together not a boundary that separates us, but a bridge linking our peoples, our economies, and our aspirations.”

As part of expanding areas of cooperation, the Port of Beirut received an official proposal from the Port of Marseille Fos to participate in the discussions of the “IMEC Corridor Ports Club,” a global economic initiative launched last May to serve as a space for dialogue and cooperation among port authorities located along this corridor.

The memorandum also places importance on integrating port activities into their urban surroundings, based on the complementary relationship between the city and the port. Through the exchange of expertise and experience, both sides aim to develop waterfronts and port fronts, and to strengthen the integration of projects related to the two ports within the urban fabric, in a way that helps ensure their acceptance and support by local communities.

Following the signing ceremony, Minister Rasamny and the accompanying delegation paid an exploratory visit to the TANGRAM Innovation Center of the CMA CGM Group, where he was briefed on the center’s work and the programs and approaches it adopts in the fields of innovation and the development of solutions related to the transport and logistics sectors.

Minister Rasamny concluded his visit program by holding a series of meetings with Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, and a number of the group’s officials, in the presence of Lebanon’s Ambassador to the French Republic, Rabih Chaar, and Lebanon’s Consul General and General Coordinator in Marseille, Ralph Matar. The talks addressed prospects for cooperation in the fields of maritime transport, logistics services, port development, and ways to strengthen the partnership between Lebanon and the group.”