The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Mr Nitin Gadkari, met with his Egyptian counterpart during his recent visit to the country and discussed ways to improve bilateral ties in the waterways and ports sectors, official sources said.

Mr Gadkari represented India at the recent inaugural ceremony of the new Suez Canal.

They exchanged ideas on innovative financing for public-private partnership (PPP) projects and use of new technology in areas of green transport, river transport and ports, sources added.

The Egyptian Minister also expressed keen interest in India's ambitious plans for infrastructure development.

Mr Gadkari congratulated the Minister on the completion of the new Suez Canal project in a record time of 11 months.