Egypt has launched its first naval military drills with Russia in the Mediterranean Sea aimed at enhancing mutual military cooperation between the two states, Russian defense ministry announced.

"The goal of the exercise is to strengthen and develop military cooperation between Egypt's navy and Russia's navy in the interests of security and stability on the sea," said the ministry in a Saturday statement.

The eight-day maneuvers code-named “Friendship Bridge 2015" will be held “in the designated area of the Mediterranean Sea from June 6 to June 14" off the Egyptian port of Alexandria in a bid to practice the protection of coastal areas, read the statement.

Russian and Egyptian warships are due to conduct live fire tactical training as well as drills in protecting shipping lanes from diverse threats in collaboration with aerial support.

The Russian warships participating in the military exercise include the guided missile carrier Moskva and the catamaran missile corvette Samum, along with three other naval vessels.

According to reports, Egyptian warships taking part in the drills include the frigates Taba and Dumyat.

The announcement came shortly after Russian naval forces completed their joint naval maneuvers with Chinese forces in the Mediterranean waters with drills that included anti-submarine and radio-electronic warfare. The exercises concluded on May 21.