CAIRO: 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 said the proposed intervention would be purely defensive, not offensive, stressing that Egypt would not abandon the Gulf states and would coordinate any necessary measures with Saudi Arabia’s 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.
He recalled the countries’ financial, logistical and military assistance to Egypt in 2011 and 2013, including the provision of oil, wheat and gas.
He reiterated his stance against any harm to the security and stability of Saudi Arabia, as well as the rejection of any harm to the security of the Red Sea and international maritime routes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Kingdom’s security and reducing escalation.
