Russian-Egyptian first joint naval drills will build trust

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.

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.