Ambassador in Riyadh greets Egyptians on new Suez Canal

Egyptian ambassador in Saudi Arabia Afifi Abdul Wahab on Sunday congratulated Egypt's leadership and people on the opening of the new Suez Canal, slated for August 6.

The ambassador expressed happiness on the success of a test-transit of vessels in the new Suez Canal, wishing more ambitious projects to be implemented make Egypt occupies a leading position.

During a ceremony organized by the Egyptian embassy in Saudi Arabia to celebrate Egypt's National Day of July 23 Revolution, Abdul Wahab told MENA that July 23 is the "mother of revolutions" as a mode for liberation movements in Africa, Asia and others.

The revolutions of January 25 and June 30 were derived from the July 23 revolution and sought same principles called for by it and aimed to continue its way, the ambassador said.

He said that today's celebration also coincides with the anniversary of nationalization of the Suez Canal, which is also associated with the imminent opening of the new Suez Canal project.

This mega project proves that the Egyptian people have a strong will and can defy all odds, he added.

Egypt will inaugurate the New Suez Canal on August 6, which will massively increase the capacity of the existing canal and offer an important chance to boost the country’s struggling economy.

Called the Suez Canal Corridor, the 72-kilometer new project involves a 37-kilometer new waterway and deepening and expansion of the existing 145-year-old Suez Canal along a 35-kilometer stretch.

The project, estimated to have cost about $8.5bn, aims at expanding the Suez Canal region's role as a global, industrial, and logistics center that is environmentally balanced with an integrated economy.

It is also projected to become a global hub due to its logistics and industrial services.

The new route will reduce navigation time from the current 22 to 11 hours. Both canals will be connected by four smaller waterways and together will continue to provide the fastest route for shipping between Europe and Asia.