Twelve months ago Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi announced that plans to expand the Suez Canal would be completed within a year, and on 6 August he will inaugurate the waterway’s official opening.
This week saw the first test-runs along the new 72km route which will allow two-way traffic along the expanded sections of the canal. The expansion will also be able to accommodate larger vessels. A strong army presence was on hand to oversee the dredging and construction of the new canal. The lawless Sinai Peninsula which borders the canal has seen hundreds of people killed since President Sisi came to power. (CONTINUED - 561 WORDS)
