Arab, int’l media highlight inauguration of July 3 Naval Base

Sky News Arabia broadcast a report titled “The July 3 base… This is how Egypt reinforces its western borders by sea and air”, quoting Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady as saying that the newly-inaugurated base is tasked with securing the country in the northern and western strategic directions and preserving its economic capabilities.

The base was named after July 3, 2013, when Egypt decided to enforce the demands of the June 30 Revolution, the TV channel reported.

The official Emeriti News Agency (WAM) focused on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who attended the ceremony, congratulating President Sisi, the government and people of Egypt on the inauguration of the vital military base, wishing Egypt further progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohamed also conveyed the greetings of and congratulations of UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Egyptian president.

The Emeriti Ittihad and Royaa newspapers also covered the ceremony, shedding light on the inauguration of three naval bases in Egypt within four years, including Mohamed Naguib; the largest in the Middle East and Africa, and Barnis; the largest military base on the Red Sea.

Russia Today Quoted Commander of the Egyptian Navy Ahmed Khaled as saying that the base’s name goes back to a date associated with eliminating the motives of abhorrent terrorism and moving towards development and progress, including the tangible interest in the sea after the June 30 Revolution.

Five new bases and naval units with great capabilities were established to carry out various tasks and to ensure the transfer of technology and expertise, Khaled added.

Under the title “Egypt inaugurates its largest naval base along Mediterranean”, Xinhua said the base covers an area of 10 million square meters along the Mediterranean and is considered Egypt’s largest naval base.

“The 3rd of July Naval Base is a new addition to the Egyptian naval base system and it is part of the comprehensive development plan for the naval forces, the Chinese news agency quoted the Presidency’s statement.

“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,” a report by Russia’s Sputnik read.

“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.

Under the title “Confirmation of the Egyptian Armed Forces’ efficiency”, Al-Ghad news channel broadcast a report, quoting Egyptian Naval Forces Commander Ahmed Khaled as saying that the base “joins a series of achievements.”

The American Alhurra channel broadcast a report that showed the strategic importance of the base, quoting military experts as saying that the establishment of the base came as a result of “a very clear reading of the threats that Egypt has witnessed since January 2011.”