Egypt Opens A Massive New Air And Naval Base On The Red Sea

I was happy to accompany the Egyptian President during the opening of the Berenice military base and civilian airport. Such achievements reflect Egypt's vision of all-round development and enhance its role in regional stability. We wish it more progress and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/nvbWqMA01j

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 15, 2020

Middle East Eye: Egypt seeks to bolster Red Sea influence with massive new base

Egyptian facility, inaugurated with much fanfare and presence of Abu Dhabi crown prince, set to be used as an anti-Iran bulwark.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi inaugurated on Wednesday a massive air and naval base on the Red Sea, which analysts say is an attempt to counter Iranian influence in the region and could host US troops.

Sisi opened the southern Berenice military base at a ceremony held days after the Egyptian military conducted one of its largest drills since the general-turned-president came to power in 2013.

Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, among other heads of Arab states and foreign ministers, attended.

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WNU Editor: This new base reflects not only on the importance of the Red Sea to Egypt, but also on its tense relations with its southern neighbours.