Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said Egypt is prepared to support Saudi Arabia in defending its territory and borders but will not participate in military attacks on Yemen.
According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, any Egyptian military support for Saudi Arabia would be limited to protecting the kingdom's territorial integrity and security.
Sisi's remarks came amid escalating attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia and intensifying fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognised government.
The statement followed a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, alongside Egypt's intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, in Riyadh.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Abdelatty delivered a written message from Sisi to Saudi King Salman. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional developments.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry said the message reaffirmed Cairo's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its commitment to supporting the kingdom.
Sisi also stated that Egypt would be willing to defend the territory of any other Arab country if requested. However, he stressed that Egyptian military involvement would remain limited to protecting Egypt or the territory of an Arab state whose security and stability Cairo seeks to safeguard.
The Egyptian parliament had earlier postponed a vote on authorising the country's armed forces to support Saudi Arabia, if requested, until October 26.
The escalating confrontation between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and the Houthis has opened another front in the wider Middle East conflict, which began following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February 2026.
The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability, threatened global energy supplies and contributed to rising oil prices.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain close strategic and economic relations. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have provided Egypt with billions of dollars in financial assistance, central bank deposits and investments since the 2013 military overthrow of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.
Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government against the Houthis, although Cairo played a limited combat role in the conflict.
Sisi's latest remarks appear to underline Egypt's willingness to support Saudi Arabia's security while avoiding direct military involvement in offensive operations inside Yemen.
Tags
World News