Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for an emergency session of parliament to authorize the armed forces to protect and support Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states if requested.
Al-Sisi stressed that any Egyptian intervention would be strictly defensive, not offensive, and said Egypt would not abandon the Gulf states. He added that any necessary measures would be coordinated with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The president made the remarks during a graduation ceremony for the first class of the Egyptian Military Academy at its new headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
Al-Sisi also expressed gratitude for what he described as the historic support provided to Egypt by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, recalling their financial, logistical and military assistance in 2011 and 2013, including supplies of oil, wheat and gas.
He reiterated Egypt’s opposition to any threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and stability, as well as to the security of the Red Sea and international maritime routes. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Kingdom’s security and preventing further escalation in the region.
