Two Egyptian military planes, carrying large quantities of medical aid, took off from Cairo East Air Base for Djibouti, Egyptian Military spokesman Tamer El-Refae announced on Friday.

The Djiboutian side expressed their appreciation for Egypt's efforts in providing all forms of support to the African countries, the military spokesman said in a statement.

It also affirmed the importance of this aid in supporting the health sector in Djibouti and enabling the country to confront the current challenges, El-Refae added.

The step comes as per directives from Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and within the framework of continuing Egypt’s support and solidarity with sisterly countries, he said.

“This aid stems from the national ties and Egypt’s fixed stance towards its brothers and the support [it provides] to them in the face of adversity and crises,” the statement added.

The Egyptian shipment is the second to Djibouti in three days. The spokesman did not identify the exact quantities of medical aid in each shipment.

This last shipment also comes only a day after Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Djibouti, during which he met with his Counterpart, Ismail Omar Guelleh.

During their meeting, El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's keenness in enhancing support directed to development efforts in Djibouti.

Guelleh also praised the Egyptian private sector’s contribution to the economic development process in Africa, expressing his aspiration to increase the participation of the Egyptian private sector in Djibouti.

The Djiboutian president also said that Egypt plays a pivotal role in shoring up stability in Africa.