Egypt inaugurates its largest naval base along Mediterranean

Cairo, Egypt | Xinhua | Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated on Saturday the 3rd of July Naval Base in Gargoub on Egypt’s northwest coast, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

Covering an area of 10 million square meters along the Mediterranean, the new base is considered Egypt’s largest naval base.

The 3rd of July Naval Base is a new addition to the Egyptian naval base system, a part of the comprehensive development plan for the naval forces, the statement said.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

The naval surface units, submarines, and aircraft at the base will provide security for Egypt along the northern and western strategic directions, preserve its economic wealth, secure shipping lines, and maintain maritime security, the statement said.

The base also provides logistical support for the Egyptian naval forces in the Red and Mediterranean seas to confront any challenges and risks that may exist in the region and to combat smuggling and illegal immigration, it added.