Saudi, Egypt leaders call for free, secure Red Sea navigation
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed threats to shipping through the Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met in Cairo to call for free and secure navigation in the Red Sea. The two regional powers discussed the threat posed by Iran-backed Houthis, who have control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping route for both Saudi oil exports and Egypt's Suez Canal revenues.
Sisi affirmed Egypt's support for the kingdom's security measures, as the Bab al-Mandab has become essential for Saudi oil exports following Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis recently seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab, threatening the sole shipping route to Asian markets for Saudi Arabia.
Egypt has been relying on the Sumed pipeline for oil exports, but a recent drone attack forced the shutdown of the East-West pipeline, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel. Disruption to shipping through Bab al-Mandab could significantly impact Egypt's economy, as the Suez Canal currently generates around half of its pre-Houthi attacks revenues.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince will seek reassurance from Egypt in securing the Bab al-Mandab, as the kingdom looks to maintain stability and protect its interests.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Saudi, Egypt demand open Red Sea, as Riyadh vows to hit back against Houthis nst.com.my
- Saudi, Egypt leaders call for free, secure Red Sea navigation freemalaysiatoday.com
- Houthis seize Red Sea islands, attack Saudi targets france24.com
- Saudi Arabia faces hard choices as Houthis gain in Yemen dw.com
