Lebanese PM invited to attend opening of New Suez Canal Project

Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohamed Badr el Deen Zayed handed an official invitation from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam to attend the opening of the New Suez Canal Project on August 6.

The Egyptian ambassador said that his meeting with Salam also tackled the regional conditions, including the situation in Lebanon, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

He also said that he talked about the opening of the New Suez Canal Project despite the challenges and war against terrorism.

The ambassador also said that Egypt is keen on the success of the Lebanese government and its ability in confronting challenges.

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 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.