New Delhi: As the fragile ceasefire in Yemen crumbles and hostilities between the Saudi Arabian government and Houthi rebels flare up once again, Egypt has stepped forward with a strong declaration of support. Amidst the escalating cross-border attacks by the Houthis, the North African nation has assured Riyadh of its full commitment to safeguarding Saudi security and territorial integrity.
With Saudi Arabia remaining on high alert to thwart the continuous barrage of Houthi offensives, the Egyptian Presidency released a definitive statement on Sunday. “Egypt will provide all necessary and possible assistance to protect the security and stability of Saudi Arabia, secure its resources and territorial integrity, and ensure the safety of Islamic holy sites,” the President’s office officially stated.
According to Reuters, this crucial announcement followed a high-level meeting of Egypt’s National Defense Council. The strategic session, chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, saw the participation of top officials, including the Parliament Speaker, the Prime Minister, and the Chief of the Armed Forces. Following the council’s decision, an emergency parliamentary session was scheduled for 1:00 PM (1000 GMT) to formally vote on the proposed support measures.
Addressing the nation in a speech on Saturday, President Al-Sisi emphasized that Cairo’s actions would be heavily guided by the directives of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The reaffirmation of ties follows a crucial meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Al-Sisi on September 15, right after the resurgence of the armed conflict in Yemen.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia share a deep-rooted economic and strategic partnership. Following the military ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Saudi Arabia, along with other oil-rich Gulf nations, extended a financial lifeline to Egypt, pumping in billions of dollars through aid, central bank deposits, and massive investments. Furthermore, Egypt was a member of the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government against the Houthis, although Cairo’s direct combat role remained limited during that phase.