ISTANBUL: Turkiye and Egypt are set to conduct joint naval exercises for the first time in over a decade, the Turkish Defence Ministry has announced, signaling a continued thaw in relations between the two states.
The joint naval exercise, titled “Friendship Sea,” is set to take place in the eastern Mediterranean from September 22 to 26, according to the Turkish Defence Ministry. The drills will involve Turkish frigates, fast attack vessels, a submarine, and F-16 fighter jets, operating alongside Egyptian naval units.
A high-level observer day is scheduled for September 25, with the naval chiefs of both countries expected to attend — highlighting the significance of the exercise after more than a decade of strained diplomatic relations.
Turkey and Egypt began normalising relations in 2023, reappointing ambassadors and holding multiple high-level meetings between senior officials and leaders.
Beyond military cooperation, the two nations have also found common ground on regional issues, including a shared stance against Israel’s military operations in Gaza and joint efforts to facilitate a ceasefire.
