Joint naval exercise between Egypt and the US starts in the Red Sea

CAIRO – 23 April 2017: The Egyptian-American joint naval exercise “Eagle Salute Maneuvers 2017" started Sunday and will continue for several days in the territorial waters of the Red Sea, the Egyptian Ministry of Defense and Military Production said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan and Kuwait are participating in the training, as well as Italy as an observer, the statement read.

The exercises include several activities, covering the planning and management of joint combat operations to secure a certain maritime zone against various threats, a training in maritime search and rescue work, the implementation of the right of visit and inspection, and the storming of suspected ships.

The training comes within a framework of supporting joint cooperation between the Egyptian and American armed forces, as well as getting acquainted with the latest systems and methods of naval warfare, according to the statement.

“It reflects the depth of the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries in many fields,” the statement read.

In a visit to Egypt last week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis discussed with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi ways to strengthen the ongoing military cooperation between the two countries, following a prior meeting at the Pentagon during Sisi's state visit to Washington early April.

The joint exercise follows the Egyptian Armed Forces’ plan to enhance the prospects of military cooperation and the exchange of training experience with friend countries, the statement clarified.