Egypt, Russia concerned with Middle East stability, security

Adviser to Nasser Military Academy Mahmoud Khalaf has said that Egypt and Russia are concerned with achieving stability and security in the Middle East.

The ongoing Egyptian-Russian military exercises are so important as they are aimed at protecting the maritime passages from threats, Khalaf said in an interview with Sputnik International.

A number of Russian naval units arrived at Alexandria naval base for the first Russian-Egyptian naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea.

Dubbed "Friendship Bridge 2015", the drill will be held from June 6 to June 14.

The drills are aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries' navies to promote security and stability at sea.

As part of the exercises, Russian and Egyptian warships, working with air support, are expected to protect shipping lanes from various threats and conduct live tactical training.