Red Sea bridge project resurfaces

Backers hope to calm old concerns with new plans for a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
(FILE) A picture taken on November 12, 2015 from the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh shows tourists preparing to board a boat in front the Tiran island in the Strait of Tiran between Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia. Saudi King Salman on April 11, 2016 wrapped up a landmark five-day visit to Egypt marked by lavish praise and multi-billion-dollar investment deals, in a clear sign of support for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime. Egypt also agreed during the visit to demarcate its mar
A picture taken on Nov. 12, 2015 from the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh shows tourists preparing to board a boat in front the Tiran island in the Strait of Tiran between Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia. - Getty Images
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Rami Galal
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CAIRO — Egypt and Saudi Arabia have agreed to build a controversial bridge spanning the Red Sea that proponents say could lead Egypt out of its economic crisis.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced April 9 they will build a bridge that will allow for a commute time between the countries of just 20 minutes. They pointed out that the bridge will connect not only the two countries, but also the continents of Africa and Asia.

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