Egypt pledges full support for Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional tensions

Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, on Sunday affirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and readiness to provide all necessary and possible forms of support to defend the kingdom’s security, stability and territorial integrity amid escalating attacks.

The announcement followed a meeting at the presidential palace in Cairo, where the council reviewed recent regional developments and mounting tensions, particularly attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the Egyptian presidency said the council reaffirmed Cairo’s unwavering support for Riyadh, citing the historic ties between the two countries and the close connection between Saudi, Egyptian and broader Arab national security.

The council pledged to provide all necessary and possible assistance to Saudi Arabia to safeguard its security, stability, resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites.

It also called for intensified political and diplomatic efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to de-escalate tensions across the region and pursue peaceful solutions to ongoing crises.

The meeting was attended by the speakers of parliament, the prime minister, and the ministers of defence, interior, finance and foreign affairs, as well as the head of General Intelligence, the military chief of staff and senior military and security officials.

The council’s meeting came a day after Al-Sisi declared Egypt’s readiness to take any measures requested by Saudi Arabia to defend its security and sovereignty, and called for an emergency parliamentary session to authorise such action if Riyadh made a formal request.

Speaking on Saturday during a graduation ceremony at Egypt’s Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital, Al-Sisi said Egypt would not tolerate threats to Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.

He stressed that Cairo was prepared to act in defence of the kingdom in accordance with the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Egyptian president emphasised that Egypt was not seeking war or confrontation with any party, but was committed to protecting Saudi Arabia’s security.

He also noted that any Egyptian military action would require parliamentary approval, while urging the parties involved to bring the conflict in the Gulf region to an end.