Nine-year-old cancer patient Omar Salah had one dream: to meet President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi while dressed in military gear and be invited to the opening of Egypt’s New Suez Canal.
On August 6, that dream came true as both international and local media aired video footage of the young boy waving the Egyptian flag with President Sisi on his side on-board the Presidential Yacht Mahrousa.
Omar waved the flag as the President’s Yacht sailed through the New Suez Canal ahead of the official opening ceremony. The move was hailed by some on Twitter for its promotion of the battle against cancer in Egypt.
In an earlier interview to the press several weeks ago, Omar Salah’s mother said how her son, who is receiving patient at the renowned 57357 Children’s Cancer Hospital in Egypt, had been dreaming to meet the President, particularly as he has always wanted to join the military, but likely cannot due to his health.
According to Hospital 57357, approximately 8,400 children are estimated to develop cancer in Egypt each year. Twenty-four percent of these children will die due to the lack of adequate treatment and facilities, says 57357.
The inauguration ceremony of Egypt’s New Suez Canal will be attended by representatives from 70 countries, including French President Francois Hollande, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other African and Gulf leaders.
Watch the video of Omar Salah on-board the 150-year-old Presidential Yacht below:
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