Sisi says Egypt ready to defend Saudi Arabia 'if requested'

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared on Saturday that Egypt is prepared to defend Saudi Arabia should the need arise, amid escalating hostilities between the two nations and their respective allies in Yemen. For months, the Houthis, an Iran-backed group, have been launching repeated assaults on Saudi assets such as energy infrastructure and the capital city's airport, resulting in significant casualties.

Furthermore, the Houthis have established a blockade on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, adding further strain to already precarious energy trade flows.

Addressing a group of graduates at the Egyptian Military Academy, Sisi emphasized Egypt's non-involvement in regional conflicts, but also stressed that it would not remain passive if Saudi Arabia's security or stability were threatened. He reiterated that Egypt, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, would undertake any measures necessary to protect or defend Saudi Arabia.

The deployment would, however, require parliamentary endorsement, which Sisi hoped would convene an emergency session to grant such authorization, should it be requested.

Sisi reiteratively clarified that his remarks were not about engaging in any form of combat or attacking others, but rather about extending defensive support. The conflict has not only jeopardized Saudi Arabia's security and energy exports, but also poses risks to Egypt, as disruptions to Red Sea shipping could diminish the Suez Canal's revenue, a crucial source of foreign currency for the country.

In September, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reported a loss of approximately US$11 billion in Suez Canal earnings since the onset of Houthis' attacks on commercial vessels following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.

Despite Egypt's historic military relations with Gulf states, Cairo has yet to join the Mecca agreement, a mutual defense pact involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. The agreement, signed in August, reflects the Gulf states' preference for diplomatic solutions over participation in military alliances. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have maintained a strong friendship, with Riyadh providing substantial financial support for Egypt following the 2013 ousting of former President Mohamed Morsi and during subsequent economic challenges.