Egypt Launches Suez Canal Expansion

A general view of the Suez Canal is seen from al-Salam "Peace" bridge on the Ismalia desert road before the opening ceremony of the New Suez Canal, in Egypt, Aug. 6, 2015.

In this picture provided by the office of the Egyptian Presidency, President el-Sissi smiles at a boy as he waves the national flag from a monarchy-era yacht that sailed to the venue of a ceremony for extension of the Suez Canal, 6 Aug. 2015.

French President Francois Hollande waves as he arrives to the opening ceremony of the New Suez Canal, in Ismailia, Egypt, Aug. 6, 2015.

Egyptian air force planes parade during the inauguration ceremony of the new section of the Suez Canal in Ismailia, Egypt, Aug. 6, 2015.

A general view of the Suez Canal from al-Salam "Peace" bridge on the Ismalia desert road before the opening ceremony of the New Suez Canal, in Egypt, Aug. 6, 2015.

Egyptians celebrate the expansion of the Suez Canal in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, August 6, 2015. (H. Elarasam/VOA)

Egyptian men watch the live streaming for the new Suez channel branch on the Egyptian TV on a cafe downtown Cairo, Egypt, August 6, 2015. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)