Youth and Sports Minister Khaled Abdel Aziz hailed the New Suez Canal project as a "historic", lauding the Armed Forces' role in implementing the waterway.

Abdel Aziz made the remarks during a mass Iftar held east of the Suez Canal as part of celebrations of the 10th of Ramadan (October 6, 1973) War victory.

"We witness history written before us with this national project around which all Egyptians have united," the minister said.

"We are proud of this project which has been carried out by Egyptian hands and funds," he added.

The New Suez Canal project was launched in August 2014. The 72km-long canal is dug alongside the original waterway.

The project is meant to increase the Suez Canal’s capacity to 97 passing ships per day up from the current rate of 49 per day.
Source: MENA