Russian-Egyptian first joint naval drills in Mediterranean will build trust - Navy chief

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. The first joint naval exercises Bridge of Friendship-2015 in the Mediterranean Sea between Russia and Egypt will become an important step for increasing mutual understanding and enhancing confidence, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Viktor Chirkov said on Monday. Chirkov has sent a telegram to the participants of the June 6-14 drills ahead of their active phase that is beginning in the coming days in the designated area of the Mediterranean Sea, Russian Navy spokesman Captain 1st Rank Igor Dygalo told TASS. "This exercise will become an important practical step in the sphere of common efforts on strengthening measures of mutual understanding and trust between Russia’s Navy and the Navy of the Arab Republic of Egypt," the telegram says. During the exercises, the crews of the vessels and pilots, acting under a joint plan, will get their first experience of responding jointly to the challenges and threats, which can emerge in the sea, Chirkov said. "Another important fact is that the actions of our forces in the sea will help us to exchange experience and traditions of the Fleets of the two maritime states, Russia and Egypt," the telegram reads. Chirkov expressed confidence that "all the planned tasks of the exercises will be performed at the high professional level and we will start understanding each other better in the issues of not allowing the weakening of security and stability both in the Mediterranean region and also the World Ocean," he said. Read more