Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi inaugurated on Wednesday Berenice military base, located south of Red Sea, local media reported.

The inauguration witnessed the attendance of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi M and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Mohamed bin Zayed, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman, Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov, and Armenian President Armen Sarkissian.

Egypt’s Minister of Defense and Military Production Mohamed Zaki, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mohamed Farid also attended the inauguration.

Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz stressed in a statement after attending the opening activities of the Berenice Military Base the importance of the military base, which shows the development of the Arab Republic of Egypt in its military systems, as this base is a major hub for facing threats in the Red Sea and securing global navigation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In his statement during the event, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated President Al-Sisi on the opening of the base while praising its advanced capabilities and equipment, and adding that it is a significant addition to the Egyptian military and will ensure freedom of navigation and security in the Red Sea, Emirates news agency WAM reported.

“The Egyptian Armed Forces are not only a bulwark of Egypt but also of the entire Arab world because Egypt’s strength is a force for all Arabs. Egypt, with its strong and advanced armed forces, is a factor in the region’s stability and peace,” His Highness Sheikh Mohamed said.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that the relations between the UAE and Egypt are fraternal and strategic and are deep-rooted at both official and social levels, in light of the joint visions of their leaderships and their consultations on relevant regional and international issues and challenges.

He also pointed out that strengthening the military capacities of the Egyptian military and other Arab armed forces will protect the gains of the region and its people, create a safe environment for economic and social development, and ensure regional and global security and peace, in view of the strategic importance of the Arab region and the Middle East to the world’s security and interests.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the efficiency, advanced skills and readiness of Egyptian soldiers, which were showcased at Qader 2020.

Berenice is considered the largest military base in the Red Sea, the largest naval base in the Middle East and North Africa, and the second of its kind in Egypt.

During the inauguration ceremony, a documentary was screened on maneuvering activities of Qadir 2020 drills, whose last round is currently taking place. It witnessed participation of Egyptian second and third field armies.

Moreover, Presidency spokesperson said: “Bernice military base is one of a series of successes by the Egyptian Armed Forces, and it comes to develop and modernize the Armed Forces as part of Egypt Vision 2030.”

It was established within a few months and will strengthen the international classification of the Egyptian army. The base is aimed to protect the southern entrance of the Red Sea, securing navigation in the waterway that leads to the Suez Canal and associated economic zones.

It is located on the Red Sea coast near the southern border of Egypt. Built on 150,000 feddan area, it includes naval and air bases, a hospital, administrative buildings, and training areas for all weapon types. The project also includes Berenice International Airport and a seawater desalination plant.

In 2017, Egypt inaugurated its first military base “Mohamed Naguib” in Matrouh governorate, the largest in the Middle East.