According to a report by Reuters on October 21, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stated that Egypt's military support for Saudi Arabia would be limited to defending Saudi Arabia's territory and borders, and would not include attacks against Yemen. Meanwhile, Iran's ally the Houthis are intensifying their attacks on Saudi Arabia.
According to Saudi state news agency SPA, at the time of Sethi's statement, Egyptian Foreign Minister Bedreda Abdel Atih and Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashed met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. SPA reported that Abdel Atih presented Sethi's written letter to Salman, and both parties discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that the letter concerns the strengthening of bilateral relations and affirmed Egypt's full support and backing for Saudi Arabia.
Reuters said that any military support provided by Egypt to Saudi Arabia could signify a significant escalation in the broader conflict in the Middle East. Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February, this conflict has threatened global energy supplies and pushed up oil prices.
Cesi stated that if a request is received, Egypt will also defend the territories of any other Arab country. However, its military actions will not extend beyond Egypt’s territory, nor will Cairo seek to protect the security and stability of Arab countries within their territories.
Members of parliament stated that the Egyptian parliament originally scheduled a vote on 19th to authorize the armed forces to support Saudi Arabia upon request. This vote has been postponed to October 26th.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are close strategic and economic partners. After the military overthrew former President Mohamed Morsy in 2013, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, including the UAE, provided Egypt with billions of dollars in aid, central bank deposits, and investments. Morsy became president a year later.
