Egypt cancels joint navy drills with Turkey

Egypt has cancelled joint navy drills with Turkey, after it accused Ankara of interfering in its internal affairs. In a press statement, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday, “Egypt decided to cancel the maneuvres with the Turkish side in a protest against the statements issued by a number of Turkish officials”. Turkey has openly criticised the violent crackdown on protesters which has left scores dead on Friday, and hundreds injured. Earlier on Friday, Turkey denied any meddling after the two countries recalled their respective ambassadors, in a sign of deteriorating regional ties. Mohmoud Zein, from the Foreign Affairs department praised the decision, saying Turkey was in violation of diplomatic relations.