Rabie to U.S. Delegation: Suez Canal Ensures Freedom of Navigation for All Vessels

Chairman of Suez Canal Authority Osama Rabie affirmed the authority's keenness to ensure freedom of navigation for all transiting vessels, providing them with the necessary navigation insurance.

This came during his meeting with a high-ranking U.S. delegation headed by U.S. Central Command's Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy Major General Scott Benedict in Ismailia Governorate.

Rabie indicated that the authority has qualified guides and infrastructure in terms of ports, navigation control stations and dual zones to increase the safety factor of navigation, in addition to pretense of the Egyptian Armed Forces and police to secure the canal.

Rabie stressed the depth of Egyptian-American relations, appreciating the offer made by the U.S. to help re-float the Panamanian container ship EVER GIVEN, which was among the several proposals during crisis management.

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On his part, Benedict conveyed the greetings of U.S. Central Command commander Gen. Frank McKenzie, and congratulations for the success of floating the stranded ship in record time.

He praised the authority’s efforts to achieve such important achievement in light of the complex conditions of this exceptional accident, which emphasized the importance of the Suez Canal to the whole world and demonstrated the efficiency and ability of the Egyptian administration to manage this vital route.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Suez Canal Authority to ensure the safe passage of the US aircraft carrier "Eisenhower" , including the effort and cooperation he witnessed by the Egyptian armed forces to provide the necessary safe passage.

Benedict affirmed his confidence in the Egyptian future vision of developing the navigational course of the Suez Canal and the surrounding area of ​​promising opportunities to benefit from this vital global route and to keep the Suez Canal safe, especially in light of the conscious management and insurance it enjoys by the Egyptian armed forces and the political leadership.