Egypt's Sisi calls for emergency parliament session to approve possible defence of Saudi Arabia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi convened an emergency parliament session on Saturday to authorize potential defense of Saudi Arabia, vowing to take whatever measures necessary to protect the kingdom's security and sovereignty. Speaking at a graduation ceremony, Sisi affirmed Egypt's steadfast support for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, emphasizing that any intervention would be defensive rather than offensive.

He urged parliament to convene an emergency session to grant authorization for such action if requested by Saudi Arabia. Sisi stated that Egypt would not seek to enter a war or launch attacks against another nation, describing the proposed measures as strictly defensive. The Egyptian leader reiterated the importance of Egypt's long-standing ties with the Gulf states, acknowledging the assistance they have provided to his country in the past.

He expressed concern over the fighting in the region and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to protecting the security and stability of Saudi Arabia. Sisi noted that any decision to intervene would be guided by requests from King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the same ceremony, Sisi addressed speculation about his political future, confirming that his presidency would conclude in 2030, ruling out any changes to Egypt's constitution.

The president underlined the crucial role of Egypt's armed forces as the cornerstone of national security and the country's defense. He stressed that safeguarding the armed forces was a collective responsibility, beginning with families and the broader society, and highlighted the importance of public awareness in maintaining national cohesion and stability.