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Cairo — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi declared Egypt's commitment to taking all necessary defensive measures to protect and defend Saudi Arabia, in line with the directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. In his speech during the graduation ceremony of the Egyptian Military Academy, El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt would only act in a defensive capacity, should it be requested to do so by the Saudi government.

He reasserted Egypt's readiness to stand by its Gulf allies and provide necessary support to safeguard their lands and security. The Egyptian leader reiterated that any assistance would require the approval of the Egyptian Parliament, with a parliamentary session needed to grant authorization if Egypt is asked to take action. El-Sisi stressed that his remarks were focused solely on defense, not on engaging in war or attacking any party.

He called for an end to the ongoing conflict in the region, expressing hope for its cessation and urging ongoing efforts to contain the escalation. Despite the calls for ending the war, El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's unwavering commitment to protecting its Gulf brothers, regardless of the outcome. He acknowledged the critical support provided by the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, during Egypt's economic crisis following the events of 2011, which included assistance without accounting for the resources.

El-Sisi highlighted the challenges Egypt faced during that period, such as declining monetary reserves, economic contraction, halted tourism, and fuel shortages, for which the Gulf's assistance was crucial. The Egyptian President stressed the importance of recognizing and appreciating the Gulf states' aid, acknowledging that Egypt's achievements were made possible by God's grace and the support of its allies.

In recognition of their support, El-Sisi called on the Egyptian Armed Forces to render a military salute to their Gulf counterparts, reaffirming the strong relations between Egypt and the Gulf states and Cairo's commitment to their security and stability.