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Giant container carrier CMA CGM SAINT GERMAIN makes first Suez Canal transit
via Egypt Today2 min read
Admiral Ossama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, announced the first transit of the giant container carrier CMA CGM SAINT GERMAIN through the Suez Canal on July 3, 2026. The vessel, one of the world's largest, traveled northbound from Morocco to Malaysia. Owned by French shipping company CMA CGM, the ship is 399.9 meters long, 61.3 meters wide, has a draft of 16 meters, a total tonnage of 238,000 tons, and can carry up to 23,876 TEUs. It is powered by liquefied natural gas LNG and is deployed on the NEU5/FAL3 maritime service connecting the Far East to northwest Europe. The Chairman ensured safe passage with experienced pilots and escort tugs, and Chief Pilots Ahmed Nosir and Samir Gaafar boarded the vessel to welcome the crew and present a commemorative gift. Admiral Rabie highlighted the transit of such large ships as a positive sign of major shipping companies returning and affirmed the Suez Canal's readiness for the largest and most modern vessels, emphasizing its strategic role in global maritime trade. He also stated the Authority's plans to enhance navigation services with new value-added offerings like maritime rescue, ship maintenance, marine ambulance, refueling, and crew change, to boost the canal's competitiveness.
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Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, Badr Abdelatty, spoke with Mosaad Boulos, Senior Adviser to the US President for Arab and African Affairs, regarding the latest developments in Libya. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's support for Libya's unity and stability, emphasizing the need to unify national institutions and achieve a comprehensive political settlement through a Libyan-led process. He stressed the importance of holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible. Boulos presented ideas for resolving the situation in Libya through a Libyan-led solution, as part of ongoing US efforts to bridge differences among Libyan parties. Abdelatty praised the efforts of the UN, international, and regional bodies, including the United States, in working towards lasting unity and stability in Libya.
Turkish Ambassador to Egypt Salih Mutlu 艦en stated that trade and economic ties are the most crucial pillar of bilateral relations between Egypt and Turkey. He noted that both nations possess large populations, open economies, and integrated trade and economic policies. 艦en highlighted Egypt's extensive trade agreements globally and its strategic location controlling the Suez Canal. Bilateral trade between Egypt and Turkey reached approximately $8 billion in 2025, and $3 billion in the first four months of 2026, marking a 15 percent increase from the previous year. The ambassador projected that bilateral trade would reach around $9 billion by the end of 2026, with Egypt remaining Turkey's largest trading partner in Africa and Turkey staying among Egypt's top five global trading partners. To enhance trade, 艦en emphasized strengthening air, sea, road, and rail transport links, including essential roll-on/roll-off shipping services. He expressed confidence that a rail connection between the two countries could become a reality within 10 years. In aviation, Turkish carriers have increased flights to Ankara to five per day, benefiting tourism, education, and trade. Turkish Airlines also operates cargo flights supporting Egypt's fruit exports and technology trade. Regarding regional issues, 艦en mentioned that Egypt and Turkey are collaborating on advancing the second phase of the Gaza peace plan and are holding consultations on developments in Libya and Sudan to support their unity
Egypt has strongly condemned a bombing that occurred at a caf茅 in Damascus, the Syrian capital, which resulted in several deaths and injuries. In an official statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt reiterated its unwavering opposition to all acts of violence and terrorism, particularly those that seek to destabilize security, undermine stability, and terrorize innocent civilians. The nation extended its profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Syrian Arab Republic, its government, and its people, as well as to the families of the victims. Additionally, Egypt wished a swift recovery to all individuals who were injured in the incident.