Egypt, Bahrain Conducting Joint Naval, Air Drills In Persian Gulf - Defense Ministry

Egypt and Bahrain are conducting joint naval and air drills in the Persian Gulf, the Egyptian Defense Ministry said on Monday in a statement

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st January, 2019) Egypt and Bahrain are conducting joint naval and air drills in the Persian Gulf, the Egyptian Defense Ministry said on Monday in a statement.

"The Egyptian Navy and Air Force forces in the exercise had a wide welcome and reception in the Kingdom of Bahrain to participate in the activities of the joint air-sea training (Hamad-3), which will last for several days within the scope of Salman Air Base and Isa Air Base in the Kingdom of Bahrain," the statement read.

The exercises are described by the Egyptian army as "one of the Gulf region's most important joint drills," aimed at improving joint air and sea combat management with the use of advanced air and naval tactics.

"It is worth mentioning that the Egyptian armed forces share with the fraternal Kingdom of Bahrain in several joint exercises in different disciplines of air, sea and land, which contribute to enhancing military cooperation and honing the skills of the participating elements of both countries," the ministry added.

Egypt and Bahrain have been developing cooperation for years having similar positions on many issues. For example, in 2017, both Cairo and Manama broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed an economic blockade on the country, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism.