The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) recently confirmed its promise to international agreements that guarantee free passage for all vessels passing through the canal, including commercial and military ships, regardless of their nationality. In a statement issued on Friday, the SCA addressed social media rumors questioning the passage of foreign warships through the canal. The SCA clarified that it strictly follows international conventions, specifically the Constantinople Convention of 1888, which ensures free and open navigation for vessels of all countries.
The 1888 Constantinople Convention established the Suez Canal as an international waterway, reaching all nations during peacetime and wartime. It mandated that the canal remain "free and open at all times, both in peace and war, to every vessel of commerce or war, without distinction of flag." This framework has since defined the canal’s role as a key maritime route and an essential link for global trade, reinforcing Egypt’s promise to maintain this open-access policy.
The SCA’s statement also responded to thoughts on social media regarding the movement of military vessels, which could not be independently verified. To further clarify their stance, the Egyptian military and the Ministry of Transport released separate statements on Thursday and Friday denying any cooperation with Israel.
The Suez Canal remains one of the most strategically important maritime passages globally, providing a critical source of foreign currency to Egypt. However, the country has faced recent economic challenges due to regional geopolitical tensions. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recently disclosed that these tensions have cost Egypt around $6 billion in lost canal revenue, underscoring the importance of the canal not only as a trade route but also as a financial lifeline for Egypt. Through this statement, the SCA aims to reinforce its longstanding promise to uphold the canal’s neutrality and international access for all nations.
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