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Sisi seeks emergency parliamentary backing for Saudi defence

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi asked parliament for authorisation to assist Saudi Arabia’s defence if Riyadh requests help. His military-academy speech followed Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Cairo’s conditional pledge accompanies earlier talks on Red Sea security, which affects the Suez Canal and Egypt’s revenue from maritime trade.

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An Egyptian flag flies beside a pale-stone civic building, with a columned entrance, palms and an empty paved forecourt.

Egypt’s president asks for emergency authorisation

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called on 17 October for an emergency parliamentary session to authorise possible defence assistance to Saudi Arabia. He made the request during a military-academy graduation ceremony and said Egypt was prepared to take measures to defend the kingdom.[1], [2]

Sisi made assistance conditional on a Saudi request. He said Egypt would act in accordance with the directions of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He presented the proposed role as defensive, saying his intention was to protect Saudi Arabia rather than attack another country. The scope of the requested powers was not detailed.[1]

Houthi attacks form the immediate backdrop

The request follows attacks by the Houthis, Yemen’s armed movement, on Saudi airports, oil facilities and cities. Yemen’s internationally recognised government is fighting the movement with Saudi backing. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed a defence agreement in Mecca in August; Riyadh activated the arrangement on 5 October.[1]

Red Sea security also concerns the Suez Canal

Mohammed bin Salman met Sisi in Cairo last month, when Red Sea security was among their subjects. Egypt’s Suez Canal connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean, and disruptions to shipping affect canal revenues and trade routes. Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of supporting the Houthis; Tehran denies the accusation. Sisi’s speech announced no new troop deployment or specific military operation.[1]

References

  1. News sourceAl JazeeraSisi seeks parliamentary authorisation for Saudi defence assistance↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceIran InternationalSisi seeks parliament’s approval for Saudi defence↩
Chip wars and the supply chainRussia-Ukraine warMiddle East balance of powerEnergy transition and climate

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