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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Saturday that Egypt was ready to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces if requested, as fighting intensified across the region and Cairo moved towards possible parliamentary authorisation for support.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy, Sisi said Egypt was “not looking for a role to play” in regional conflicts but that it was “inconceivable” for Cairo to stand by while Saudi Arabia was “harmed or its security and stability threatened”.
“Egypt, of course, with the directives of His Majesty King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will carry out any measure to protect you or defend you,” Sisi said.
He said any deployment would require parliamentary approval and expressed hope lawmakers would convene in an emergency session to authorise support “if it is requested of us”.
“I’m not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone,” Sisi said. “We are speaking only about defence.”
Egyptian state media later reported that parliament would hold an emergency session on Sunday at Sisi’s request to consider possible support for Saudi defences.
Egypt joined the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen in 2015, though its role has largely focused on securing Red Sea shipping routes rather than frontline combat. The renewed conflict also threatens Egypt’s economic interests, particularly Suez Canal revenues.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said last month that the Suez Canal had lost about $11 billion in revenue since the Houthis began attacking commercial vessels in 2023.
During a visit to Egypt last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sisi called for free and secure navigation in the Red Sea. Egypt has not joined the Makkah agreement, a mutual defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan in August, and has said it is studying the agreement. Source: The Dawn.
