Egypt has announced its readiness to provide Saudi Arabia with the necessary support to safeguard its security and stability, as stated by the Egyptian presidency on Sunday.
This announcement comes in light of intensified attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen, aligned with Iran, against the world’s largest oil exporter.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has requested an emergency session of parliament to authorize military intervention in support of Saudi Arabia should the kingdom require assistance.
A parliamentary vote regarding the authorization of military support was anticipated on Sunday, though discussions were set to continue into Monday, according to remarks from two parliamentarians and local media reports.
Houthi Attacks Escalate
In recent days, Houthi rebels have targeted Riyadh’s international airport and the state oil giant Aramco, coinciding with a resurgence of fighting against the internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia, following the collapse of a ceasefire.
The Egyptian presidency emphasized, “Egypt will provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary and possible forms of support to defend its security and stability and to protect its resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites.” This statement was made following a meeting of Egypt’s National Defense Council, chaired by Sisi, attended by the parliament president, prime minister, and army chief.
On Saturday, Sisi declared in a speech that Egypt would act in accordance with the guidance of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who visited Sisi on September 15 after the resumption of fighting in Yemen.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia share a close strategic and economic partnership. The kingdom and other oil-rich Gulf states have provided Egypt with billions of dollars in aid, central bank deposits, and investments since the military ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government against the Houthi rebels, although its role in combat has been limited.
