The Egyptian naval forces carried out joint military drills in the Mediterranean Sea, with the participation of British and Italian naval forces, the Egyptian army said in a statement on Friday.

The joint drills aimed to enhance bilateral military cooperation, and identify new naval combating tactics.

The Egyptian, Italian, and British naval forces took part in the drills, including a number of Egyptian ships such as the Egyptian Frigate, and the British RFA Lyme Bay.

The drills included several activities aimed at confronting different security threats, as well as protecting vital targets against non-typical threats in the Mediterranean.

Egypt is keen on enhancing its military defense, and exchanging expertise with its brotherly countries, in order to combat terrorism and secure its borders.

Earlier this month, Egyptian and French naval forces carried out joint military drills, at a military base in the Red Sea. The joint exercises included the French battleship Courbet, and other combat ships from the Egyptian naval forces.

The drills aimed to enhance bilateral military cooperation, and counter naval threats facing both countries.

In July, Egypt and France conducted joint exercises in the Red Sea. In February, they also launched the Cleopatra 2018 naval exercise, to boost security in the Red and Mediterranean Seas.