Egyptian and Sudanese armed forces to conclude joint drills
Egyptian and Sudanese air forces will today conclude the “Nile Eagles-1” joint military exercises, which were held at Khartoum’s Marwa base.
The training aimed to ready the two nations’ commando and air forces against outside threats, along with boosting morale. However, the exercises were also an important platform for Egypt and Sudan to enhance their strengthening bilateral relations. To this end, on the eve of said exercises, Egypt’s Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed Farid expressed the need for “not only cooperation but also strategic coordination.”
Egypt is likely to pit its strength against the Tripoli-based Libyan government and Turkey over a disputed maritime deal. With the assistance of the countries in the EastMed Gas Forum and numerous Arab states, Egypt will strive for Sudan to assert pressure on Libya’s UN-recognised, Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
Expect Cairo and Khartoum to again organise additional military drills in the short term. Although Sudan looks forward to the continuation of good relations, the nation remains uncertain about supporting Egypt’s case against the GNA. Despite allegations of Sudanese mercenaries’ loyalty towards the warlord Khalifa Haftar, Sudan currently has an ambiguous policy on the Libyan crisis.
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