The Guardian of the South-2 joint drill — which will continue for several days — is one of a number of exercises that have been conducted by the two nations’ armed forces.

Egyptian military spokesman Gharib Abdel-Hafez said that elements of Egypt’s border guard and Sudan’s infantry would be taking part in the training focused on border security tasks.

In a speech welcoming the Sudanese contingent, Egypt’s border guard commander said the exercise would help to strengthen the capabilities of forces from both countries.

The first phase of the training included an exhibition of the latest weapons and equipment used in border security work, and combating smuggling and infiltration, along with an update on efforts to promote integration between forces.

Lectures and practical exercises were also held to boost the combat experiences of both sides, improve military cooperation, and develop joint operations.

Egypt and Sudan’s first joint military exercise, Guardian of the South-1, was staged in October 2021 at Egypt’s Mohammed Naguib Military Base, the largest in the Middle East, located in the Al-Hamam area west of Alexandria.