Despite turmoil, Egyptian Navy to exercise with UAE

Abu Dhabi, Feb 7 (IANS/WAM) In the midst of the turmoil in Egypt with protesters demanding the removal of President Hosni Mubarak, the country’s navy is to hold a joint military exercise with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Monday welcomed a delegation from the Egyptian naval forces headed by Commodore Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Mujahid.

Sheikh Mohammed underlining the depth of relationship between the two countries, said such exercises are vital for the development of miliatary capability to cope with various threats.

Hundreds of protesters are camped for the past two weeks in Cairo’s Tahrir square, which has been the focal point of demonstrations against President Mubarak and his 30-year uninterrupted rule. Mubarak, who has ruled since 1981, has said he is ready to quit, but not right now.

–IANS/WAM