Egyptian and Russian paratroopers have concluded the "Protectors of Friendship 2" joint military drills, which started earlier this month in the Russian city of Novorossiysk and came within the framework of a joint military exercises plan between the armed forces of both countries, the Egyptian army said on Sunday. The exercise involved 600 troops from both sides, as well as 100 elements of medium and heavy military equipment, a statement by the military spokesman said. The paratroopers' drills included the deployment of troops, equipment and vehicles, and the exchange of experiences between special forces. In October 2016, Protectors of Friendship 1 took place in the Egyptian Mediterranean city of Al-Alamein. The commander of the Egyptian forces in the drill, Major General Mehez Abdel Wahab, delivered a speech at the end of the drill in which he stressed the importance of the exercise in "maximising mutual experiences in light of the distinguished military relations between the armed forces of both countries." For his part, the deputy commander of the Russian Air Borne Forces, General Victor Kubcihin commented on the accomplishment of the Egyptian-Russian military exercise, wishing success to all participant elements in carrying out their further assigned tasks. Egypt's joint military exercises for 2016-2017 included 30 trainings with 20 Arab and African countries. The Egyptian Army is involved in joint military drills and exercises with some of the top armies in the world. Last week, Egypt hosted the joint military exercise Operation Bright Star 2017 with US forces in western Alexandria's Mohamed Naguib Military Base. Operation Bright Star has been held regularly since 1981 between Egypt and US armies, with the latest exercise held in Egypt in 2009.
