Egypt has declared its readiness to provide Saudi Arabia with the necessary support to defend its security and stability as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels intensify attacks on the kingdom.
The Egyptian presidency made the announcement on Sunday, October 18, following renewed fighting in Yemen and attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had requested an urgent parliamentary session to authorise the country’s military to support Saudi Arabia if the kingdom formally requested assistance.
A parliamentary vote on the proposed military support had been expected on Sunday. However, discussions were scheduled to continue on Monday, according to two lawmakers and local media reports.
Houthis Intensify Attacks on Saudi Arabia
The Houthis have recently attacked Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state-owned oil giant. The attacks came amid renewed fighting with Saudi-backed forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government following the collapse of a truce.
In a statement after a meeting of Egypt’s National Defence Council, the Egyptian presidency said the country was prepared to assist Saudi Arabia in protecting its national interests.
“Egypt will provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary and possible forms of support to defend its security and stability, protect its resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites,” the presidency said.
The meeting was chaired by Sisi and attended by the speaker of parliament, the prime minister and the army chief.
Speaking on Saturday, Sisi said Egypt would act in line with guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince visited Sisi on September 15, after fighting in Yemen reignited.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain close strategic and economic ties. Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf states have provided Egypt with billions of dollars in financial assistance, central-bank deposits and investments since the military removal of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government against the Houthis, although its combat role was limited.
