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

According to the plan of the exercises, the warships of Russia's and Egypt's navies will practice tasks aimed at protecting the sea routes from different threats

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. Russia and Egypt have coordinated actions during the active phase of their first joint naval exercises Bridge of Friendship-2015 now underway in the Mediterranean Sea, Russian Navy spokesman Captain 1st Rank Igor Dygalo said on Monday.

"In particular, instructions have been given to the commanders of the Russian and Egyptian warships and crews of aircraft as well a communications training has been held," Dygalo said.

The exercises are conducted between June 6 and June 14. Under the plan of the exercises, the warships of Russia's and Egypt's navies will practice tasks aimed at protecting the sea routes from different threats.

Russian-Egyptian naval exercises 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 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.

According to the plan of the exercises, the warships of Russia's and Egypt's navies will practice tasks aimed at protecting the sea routes from different threats, the Russian Defence Ministry's the press service said earlier.

The eight-day drills will involve Russia’s missile cruiser Moskva, with Ka-27 helicopter, corvette Samum, landing ship Alexander Shabalin, tanker Ivan Bubnov and a tugboat MB-31.

Egypt is contributing the frigates Taba and Damiyat, the tanker Shatalin, two patrol boats April 25 and June 18, and two F-16 fighters.

The 16-member shore staff headquarters of the exercises will be based in the united control center of Egypt’s Navy in the port of Alexandria. The Moskva missile cruiser will accommodate the field headquarters of the command.