CAIRO: Egypt has discussed expanding military relations with Cyprus and Greece within the framework of continued coordination between them.
This came during the visit to Cyprus of Lt. Gen. Mohammed Zaki, commander in chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and minister of defense and military production.
Zaki left Cairo on Tuesday, heading a high-level military delegation on an official visit to Cyprus that will last for several days, according to an Egyptian army statement.
The visit will witness tripartite talks held by the defense ministers of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, who will discuss military relations and other issues of common interest.
On Jan. 28, Egyptian and Greek forces conducted naval exercises in the Mediterranean.
The Egyptian army said in a statement that these exercises came within the framework of cooperation between the Egyptian and Greek armed forces and are part of the efforts to mutually benefit from bilateral capabilities, achieve common interests and maintain maritime security and stability in the region.
Last November, Egyptian and Greek units carried out maritime training in the Aegean Sea, north of the Mediterranean, during the return of the Egyptian naval units that participated in the Friendship Bridge-3 training with Russia.
The Egyptian army carried out the maneuvers after crossing the Bosphorus Strait, which is controlled by Turkey.
