Are Egypt-Russia naval drills in Black Sea message to Ankara?

For the first time, the Egyptian navy holds joint exercises in the Black Sea with Russia, at a time of escalating tensions with Turkey.
The minesweeper Akcay of the Naval Forces of Turkey enters the harbour of the Russian port of Novorossiysk on March 6, 2019. - Two Turkish warships minesweeper Akcay and corvette Burgazada participate in "The Blue Motherland - 2019" military exercises in the Black sea. (Photo by STR / AFP) (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)
The Turkish minesweeper Akcay enters the harbor of the port of Novorossiysk, Russia, March 6, 2019. - STR/AFP via Getty Images
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Mohammed Magdy
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The Russian Ministry of Defense announced Oct. 10 that its naval forces will conduct joint exercises with their Egyptian counterparts for the first time in the Black Sea, which is bordered by several countries, including Turkey, one of the main rivals of Egypt in the region.

Observers and military experts believe the joint naval exercise is “a qualitative leap in the show of force between Cairo and Ankara,” further fueling tensions between the two countries.

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