Ankara: Trkiye and Egypt will hold a joint naval exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean this month, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced Friday, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and boost military interoperability. This marks the first joint exercise between the two countries in 13 years.

According to Anadolu Agency, the drill, named Bahr El Sadaka in Arabic, translating to 'Friendship Sea,' is officially titled the Trkiye-Egypt Friendship Sea Naval Operations Special Exercise and will take place from September 22-26. Trkiye's participation will include the frigates TCG Orucreis and TCG Gediz, fast attack crafts TCG Imbat and TCG Bora, the submarine TCG Gur, and two F-16 fighter jets.

Egyptian naval units will also participate in the exercise. A distinguished observer day is scheduled for September 25, which will be attended by Adm. Ercument Tatlioglu, the commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, and his Egyptian counterpart.