Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Suez Canal Nationalization
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Alexandria — the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) organized on 24- 25 July 2006 the Egyptian Celebration on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Suez Canal Nationalization. The Nationalization of the Suez Canal was one of the most important decrees by Gamal Abdel Nasser on 26 July 1956. The celebration was held in Alexandria, where Abdel Nasser announced the Suez Canal Nationalization decree 50 years ago.
The first day of the celebration started with the opening session, which included a presentation of the Suez Canal Nationalization letter, as well as other nationalization documents. At the beginning of the session, General Ahmed Ali Fadl, President of the Suez Canal Authority gave a speech on the nationalization of the Suez Canal decree and its impact on the national economy. He explained the successes made by the Suez Canal Authority in developing its resources to attain highest revenues in the fiscal year 2004-2005 amounting to 3.3 milliard dollars.
General Abdel Salam El-Mahgoub, the Governor of Alexandria, spoke about the political arena in Egypt since the 23 July Revolution, and the decrees that liberated Egypt from Occupation and dependence, on top of which was the Nationalization of the Suez Canal. The decree reflected the strong Egyptian will and was declared in Alexandria, Gamal Abdel Nasser’s hometown, a place that witnessed many important historical events that changed the role of Egypt regionally and internationally.
Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, explained the political, economic, and historic atmospheres in which the Suez Canal Nationalization decree was taken. He also referred to the period following the nationalization. He concluded his address by stressing that the capacity of Egyptians to dig and operate the Canal reflects Egypt’s ability to build a better future and to acquire a better place on the international arena.
Mr. Mohamed Ezzat Adel, former President of the Suez Canal Authority, stated some of the historic events that he witnessed before and after the nationalization. He also expressed his pride in witnessing this part of Egypt’s history. He stated that Egypt’s present was drawn through important decrees including the nationalization, and that Egypt aspires a better future drawn by the Egyptian will and spirit.
At the end of the session, the Suez Canal Authority honored Mrs. Hoda Abdel Nasser, Dr. Ismail Serageldin, General Abdel Salam El-Mahgoub, and Mr. Mohamed Ezzat. The opening session was followed by the opening of the Suez Canal exhibition organized by the BA, the Suez Canal Authority, and Al-Mosawer magazine, which issued a special volume marking the nationalization of the Suez Canal.