A joint naval exercise between Turkey and Egypt codenamed Friendship Sea-2009 has begun in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Friendship Sea-2009 will run from 16-21 November and is designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen military ties between the Naval Forces of the two countries.

The Turkish Navy is participating in the exercise with two frigates, two assault boats, a submarine, a corvette, a tugboat, two fast petrol boats and an underwater assault team.

Alongside the Turkish forces the Egyptian Navy is sending two frigates, two assault boats, a ship, a helicopter and an underwater assault team.