The Armed Forces and police tightened security measures at all roads from Cairo leading to the new Suez Canal, which was inaugurated today by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, to guard participating delegations.

The Armed Forces deployed armored vehicles along the road and set up a number of security patrols.

Meanwhile, Rafale and Apache jets and helicopters flew over the new canal creating a cheerful atmosphere.

Egypt inaugurated today the new Suez Canal, which will massively increase the capacity of the existing canal and offer an important opportunity to boost the country’s struggling economy.

The new 72-kilometer waterway, built in less than a year at a cost of EGP60 billion, runs part of the way alongside the existing canal connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

The legendary project was financed by investment certificates sold to Egyptians.