Egypt has pledged to provide Saudi Arabia with the support needed to protect its national security and territorial integrity as Yemen’s Houthi movement intensifies attacks on the kingdom, raising the prospect of deeper military involvement by Cairo in the regional conflict.
The announcement was made on Sunday, October 18, following a meeting of Egypt’s National Defence Council chaired by President Abdel Fattah al Sisi. The gathering was attended by the speaker of parliament, the prime minister and the army chief.
The Egyptian presidency said Cairo was prepared to assist Riyadh in response to the deteriorating security situation, as fighting in Yemen escalates following the collapse of a truce.
“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 in a statement.
Sisi has requested an urgent parliamentary session to seek authorisation for the Egyptian military to assist Saudi Arabia should the kingdom formally request support. Egypt has one of the largest armed forces in the Arab world.
A parliamentary vote on the proposed authorisation had been expected on Sunday, but deliberations were set to continue on Monday, according to two lawmakers and reports in Egyptian media.
Houthi attacks raise regional tensions
The latest Egyptian announcement comes amid intensified attacks by Yemen’s Iran aligned Houthi movement against Saudi targets, including Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state owned oil giant.
The attacks have coincided with renewed fighting between the Houthis and forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which receives backing from Saudi Arabia.
The escalation has raised concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure and energy resources, given the kingdom’s position as the world’s largest oil exporter.
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 the Egyptian president on September 15, following the renewed outbreak of fighting in Yemen.
Cairo and Riyadh maintain strategic ties
Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain close strategic and economic relations, with cooperation spanning security, investment and regional diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf states provided Egypt with billions of dollars in financial assistance, central bank deposits and investments following the military removal of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Cairo has previously participated in Saudi led efforts to support Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Egypt joined the coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 against the Houthis, although its direct combat involvement remained limited.
Leave a comment