The Egyptian and United States navies have commenced their latest joint exercise, "Eagle Salute 2017", in the regional waters of the Red Sea, the Egyptian military said in a statement on Sunday. The naval exercise is part of the Egyptian military's overarching plan for joint training with friendly nations, aimed at enhancing joint military capabilities and exchanging experiences on the use of the latest fighting technologies, according to the statement. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Pakistan and Italy are participating in the current exercise as monitors. The exercise includes a wide range of activities, including planning and organising joint combat operations, both at day and night, in cooperation of air-force elements. The combat scenarios involve the securing of maritime areas against various threats. Eagle Salute 2017 also includes search-and-rescue training, as well as practicing the inspection and raiding of suspect ships, with the participation of naval and special forces units from both militaries. The exercise reflects "the solid partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries in many fields," the statement said.