Egypt unveils ‘historic’ Suez Canal extension

With much pomp and fanfare, Egypt yesterday unveiled a major extension of the Suez Canal billed by its patron, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi as a historic achievement needed to boost the country’s ailing economy after years of unrest.

El-Sissi, wearing his ceremonious military uniform and trademark dark sunglasses, flew to the site aboard a military helicopter and immediately boarded a monarchy-era yacht that sailed to the venue of the ceremony.

The yacht was flanked by navy warships as helicopters, jet fighters and military transport aircraft flew overhead. A visibly triumphant el-Sissi stood on the vessel’s upper deck, waving to wellwishers and folklore dance troupes performing on shore.