CAIRO: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Tuesday, with the leaders discussing regional security as escalating Houthi attacks increase pressure on Saudi Arabia and strategic Red Sea shipping routes.
Sisi received the crown prince at Cairo International Airport, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
During their talks, the two leaders stressed the importance of maintaining freedom and security of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea, the Egyptian presidency said.
Moreover, Sisi backed Saudi Arabia’s measures to protect its security and supported efforts towards a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen.
Egypt Declares Full Solidarity With Saudi Arabia
Earlier, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry expressed “full solidarity and complete support” for Saudi Arabia following Houthi missile and drone attacks that reportedly injured at least 13 civilians.
Cairo condemned the attacks as violations of international law and warned that continued strikes could intensify regional instability.
Furthermore, Egypt described its national security and Saudi Arabia’s as interconnected and inseparable.
Bab al-Mandab Crisis Raises Strategic Concerns
The Houthis have renewed fighting with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and declared a maritime blockade targeting Riyadh.
Last week, the group seized territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, dealing a major setback to government forces.
Meanwhile, Houthi attacks have also targeted Saudi oil infrastructure, adding pressure to global energy markets.
The latest escalation has increased the strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab as the wider US-Iran conflict disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Against this backdrop, the Cairo meeting highlighted growing Egyptian-Saudi coordination over Yemen, maritime security and wider regional stability.
