Cairo/Riyadh: The security situation in the Middle East appears to be becoming tense once again. Amid reports of renewed conflict between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, Egypt has expressed willingness to assist its important regional partner. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made it clear on Sunday that his country is ready to provide the necessary support to maintain the stability of Saudi Arabia. This announcement has come at a time when Saudi Arabia has to be cautious about protecting its important security installations and oil-related infrastructure.
According to the Egyptian Presidential Office, the aid is aimed at ensuring the integrity of Saudi territory, national resources and the protection of Islam’s holy sites. After this, the discussion regarding defense relations and regional strategy of both the countries has intensified.
Announcement made after the meeting of the National Defense Council
According to Reuters report, this announcement was made by Egypt after the meeting of the National Defense Council. The meeting was chaired by President al-Sisi. Many senior officials including the Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister and Army Chief participated in it. A special session of Parliament was scheduled for 1 p.m. to consider and vote on the proposal, the report said. Its purpose was said to be to give Egypt the right to take necessary steps in a situation when security assistance is sought from Saudi Arabia. However, the form in which the assistance will be given and what steps will be taken for this will depend on the relevant government decisions.
Egypt’s continued contact with Saudi leadership
The Egyptian President said in his address on Saturday that his country will take steps in accordance with the instructions of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to reports, the Saudi Crown Prince met with President al-Sisi on September 15. Amidst the re-intensification of conflict in Yemen, this meeting between the two leaders is being considered important from the point of view of regional security. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing political, economic and strategic cooperation.
Old story of economic and strategic partnership
Saudi Arabia and Egypt are among the closest partners in the Middle East. After the Egyptian military ousted President Mohammed Morsi from power in 2013, Saudi Arabia and other wealthy countries in the Gulf region provided large-scale financial assistance to Egypt. This help included investments, deposits in the central bank and other economic support. Relations between the two countries are not limited to economic matters only, but their cooperation has also been important on regional security and political issues.
Egypt has been involved in the Yemen conflict before
In 2015, Egypt became part of the coalition which was led by Saudi Arabia. This coalition had taken action against the Houthi rebels while supporting the government of Yemen. However, Egypt’s direct military role in that campaign remained limited. Now after the latest announcement, a new debate has started regarding regional security.
Egypt’s offer of aid is a sign of diplomatic support for Saudi Arabia. But what kind of cooperation there will be in the future between the two countries, it will be clear from the possible demands of Saudi Arabia and the upcoming decisions of the Egyptian government. At present, the conflict situation in Yemen and the activities of Houthi rebels remain important for the security of the entire region.