Egyptian and Russian paratroopers have started the second joint military exercise, which Russia hosts from 9-22 September, a statement by the Egyptian armed forces said on Sunday.

The military exercise, titled Protectors of Friendship 2, is being held in the Russian city of Novorossiysk.

According to the statement, the Egyptian armed forces have been executing a plan of preparations for the joint exercises.

"The training comes in the frame of the Egyptian armed forces plan which aims to exchange training experiences and solidify joint military relations with friend countries," the statement added.

In October 2016, Protectors of Friendship 1 took place in the Egyptian Mediterranean city Al-Alamein.

The paratroopers' drills included the deployment of troops, equipment and vehicles, and the exchange of experiences between special forces.

Egypt's joint military exercises for 2016-2017 included 30 trainings with 20 Arab and African countries.