Egypt has pledged to provide Saudi Arabia with the support necessary to defend its security and stability as attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement intensify against the kingdom.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Egyptian presidency said Cairo was prepared to assist Riyadh in protecting its territory, resources and Islamic holy sites.
“Egypt will provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary and possible forms of support to defend its security and stability, protect its resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites,” the presidency said.
Sisi Seeks Parliamentary Authorisation for Military Support
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi requested an urgent session of Parliament to seek authorisation for the country’s military to assist Saudi Arabia if the kingdom formally requests support.
The proposed authorisation was due to be considered during a parliamentary session scheduled for 1pm on Sunday.
The move followed a meeting of Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by Sisi and attended by the parliamentary speaker, the prime minister and the army chief.
Houthi Attacks Target Riyadh and Saudi Aramco
The Egyptian announcement comes after renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state-owned oil company.
The attacks have taken place amid renewed fighting in Yemen following the collapse of a truce between the Houthis and forces supporting the internationally recognised Yemeni government.
The escalation has increased security concerns for Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter.
Sisi Says Egypt Will Coordinate With Saudi Leadership
Speaking on Saturday, Sisi said Egypt would act in accordance with guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The crown prince visited Sisi on September 15, following the renewed outbreak of fighting in Yemen.
The Egyptian president’s remarks underscored Cairo’s stated readiness to support Riyadh as the conflict continues.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia Maintain Close Strategic Ties
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are close strategic and economic partners, with Riyadh and other wealthy Gulf states having provided billions of dollars in assistance to Cairo.
That support has included financial aid, central-bank deposits and investments following the military removal of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Egypt also previously joined the Saudi-led military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government against the Houthis. However, Egypt played a limited combat role in that intervention.
Parliamentary Decision Could Shape Egypt’s Response
The proposed parliamentary vote would determine whether Egypt’s military receives authorisation to provide assistance to Saudi Arabia if requested.
The Egyptian presidency has stated that Cairo is prepared to offer the kingdom the necessary support to protect its security, territorial integrity and resources as attacks and fighting continue in the region.
