The United States and Egypt have decided to cancel a major military exercise this year due to the country's unsettled political climate, US officials said Wednesday. The exercise, dubbed "Bright Star," normally takes place every two years but will not be held later this year as previously scheduled, two defence officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.
"The Egyptian government and US decided to postpone it for 2011 based on mutual agreement in light of ongoing transition events and the military leadership serving in an interim executive role," one official said in an email. "The decision to postpone came through routine bilateral conversations," the official said.
Despite the decision to cancel the military exercise, the US official said the two countries have "an enduring defence and security relationship" that underpins a "strong and friendly partnership," the official added. The next Bright Star exercise instead will take place in 2013 and formal planning by Egyptian officers will begin next June, he said.
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