“Godspeed! We, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, do hereby give the permission of launching the new Suez Canal.” Thus the president concluded his speech during the inauguration ceremony of the new Suez Canal, opening a new path of work and effort before the Egyptians, a one-thousand step road toward giving more to Egypt and humanity.
A History of Giving
Egypt and her people have always been a source of giving throughout history. In fact, she offered the world many a genius, such as Dr. Ali Mustafa Mosharafa, the Physicist, who was called Einstein of Arabia. His researches were admired by Einstein who described him as a great physicist. There is also the legendary Sir Magdy Yacoub, the renowned heart surgeon, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Zweil, Chemistry Nobel Laureate. We also have Dr. Farouk Elbaz, the renowned space scientist, Engineer Hany Azer, one of the top tunelling and Bridges Engineer at the global level who the West called the Pharaoh and Amenhotep (being the first ancient Egyptian Engineer). Likewise, there is Engineer Ibrahim Samak who was called the Pharaoh who illuminated Europe. Dr. Mohamed Ghoneim is a great Urologist and a world leader in his field. Dr. Nabil Ahmed Fouad is a professor of building engineering physics, and Dr. Victor August is the ex-president of the Engineers Chamber in Germany. Dr. Nabil Fouad Fanous is a pioneer of engineering in the world. So is Dr. Hany Mahmud al-Nuqrashi in Germany. Dr. Hany Abdullah al-Katib rehabilitated forests in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Dr. Mohamed Ali Faramawy is a pioneer in the field of information technology. Dr. Mohamed Ali el-Erian is a renowned economy expert. Dr. Ahmed Mahmud Okasha is a prominent figure in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Mervat Abu Bakr is an outstanding figure in pre-university education. Out of these great people, the president chose his consultative council.
Today, Egyptians resume their journey of giving through the new Suez Canal. According to the president, “Egypt is a great country whose civilization has extended through 7000 years. Many countries teach their children the Egyptian Civilization and the gifts it offered humanity. Also, throughout 7000 years, Egypt has offered values and ethics which are in harmony with heavenly creeds.
I would like to tell Egyptians: ‘You are the civilization that Egypt offered.’ Today, Egypt is offering humanity a new gift. Though it is not as great as what the ancient Egyptians offered, it is the fruit of a one-year great toil. Egyptians are giving it to development, construction, and prosperity… We, Egyptians, promised the world to give it a new present. We are now delivering our promise. In no time, we are giving the world new wealth and prosperity, a canal that, in like manner, facilitates international navigation, opens a route of cultural communication among peoples.”
Egypt has never forgotten her duty toward the world. In like manner she saved the world from vulgarity and gave it civilization, and from famine by the righteous Joseph, offering it her grain, and from destruction by resisting terrorism, she is now offering the new Suez Canal. The president maintains, “Not only has Egypt offered this project, but also resisted all sorts of ideological terrorism which could have burnt the globe.”
The Beginning
The Suez Canal project is but a beginning of a journey toward success. According to President Sisi, “I believe this is the first step out of a thousand which we have to take.” Through this project, Egypt is to launch numerous economic and commercial projects which will make the future and restore to Egypt her pioneership. Thus, the president emphasizes, “Egypt does not suffice to making one project. The opening of our new canal is the starting point of several national projects, of which the most closely related is that of developing the Suez Canal region. The project plan was accredited. The government will start implementing it by developing Eastern Port Said region which will witness expanding and developing Eastern Port Said Harbor, caring for its industrial milieu, as well as developing the region’s infrastructure and linking it with other projects. This is to be followed by developing Ismailia, al-Qantara, and al-Ain al-Sokhna. Developing the Canal region aims at establishing an international economic region which includes several new cities, harbors, commercial and logistic centers, all of which will boost trade between Egypt and the world.” This is how Egypt starts treading toward a prosperous future which is no longer a dream. Rather, it is a reality which requires unity and collaboration.
Likewise, it requires the self-confidence which the Egyptians have restored after implementing the project in due course. Though they faced obstacles, they accomplished their mission. This is stressed by the president’s words, “Egyptians were not implementing this project in normal circumstances, but in hard ones: on the economic and security levels. Terrorist gangs, who I call evil people, are trying to harm Egypt and hinder her path. We are still fighting terrorism as well as our hard conditions, and we will prevail.”
Hence, Egyptians have to trust what God has granted them: potential, ideas, creativity, especially whenever they confront challenges. They also have to confide in the fact that they are capable of success.
The best conclusion for this article is quoting the president’s words that emphasize the importance of the Egyptians’ unity in order that they might face attempts to implant failure within them. He says, “Nobody can ever defeat Egypt as long as Egyptians are unified. I do emphasize this fact. If you look here, you will find the Pope and the Grand Imam sitting beside each other. We have to be one entity in order to overcome the challenge.” The president’s words are supported by the Bible’s words, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded.” Likewise, we read in the Qoran, “You shall cling to God’s ties, and never separate.” Solidarity in mind and ideas imparts an unshakable strength, which is why we should be one family in Egypt. Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
