South African Ambassador here Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya on Wednesday congratulated the Egyptian people and government over the inauguration of the New Suez Canal on Thursday.

In statements to MENA, she added that the new canal has been achieved in record time. The project, she noted, reflects the strong will and determination of the Egyptian people who supported this mega project.

She expressed confidence that this historic and legendary project will be a launching pad for other national development projects and will turn the Canal zone into an international trade and business hub.

The project, she held, will eventually help promote trade exchange between Egypt and South Africa.