Spanish, Egyptian defense ministers discuss military cooperation in Madrid meeting

Egypt’s Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi and Spanish counterpart Pedro Morenés discussed Wednesday several cooperative plans to tighten military relations between the two countries, a statement by Egypt’s armed forces read.

“The talks between the two ministers addressed ways to enhance military cooperation between the armed forces of both countries with the exchange of experience and training in different fields,” army spokesperson Mohamed Samir said in the statement.

Sobhi is visiting the Spanish capital Madrid on Tuesday for several days to head a high-profile military delegation, according to Al-Ahram Arabic news website.

The visit comes following an invitation from the Spanish defense minister to his Egyptian counterpart.

The two ministers are also discussing the latest developments in the Middle East and Egypt’s “war on terrorism,” aiming to increase Spain’s contributions to a more stable and secure region.

In May this year, Sobhi and his Spanish counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation.

The memorandum included agreements on the exchange of experience and joint training between both countries.

Since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was sworn into office in 2014, Egypt has adopted a policy of diversifying its sources of armaments and increased its military cooperation with several states beyond the US – which has been the country’s main source of weaponry for close to four decades.

Source: Ahram Online