Al Jazara
روایت خاورمیانه 
Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, met with Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt, in Cairo on Tuesday. This meeting occurred during a sensitive time as the Iran-aligned Houthis recently seized the Red Sea coasts of Yemen and gained significant control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern gateway to the Suez Canal.
Security Implications for Saudi Arabia and Egypt
These developments prompted Saudi Arabia to launch airstrikes against Yemen, and the Houthis also attacked the country's oil infrastructure. Analysts believe that Riyadh is seeking assistance to secure itself and maritime transport in the Red Sea, and Egypt, which relies on Suez Canal revenues from this traffic, appears to be a suitable partner.
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Emphasis on Political and Economic Cooperation
Abdel Moneim Said, a member of the Egyptian Senate and close to decision-making centers, stated that this meeting has political, economic, strategic, and military dimensions. He added that these developments occur at a time when Iran is escalating tensions in the region through its proxies, including the Houthis. The advancement of this group directly threatens Egypt's economy and the Suez Canal.
Agreement on cooperation in Red Sea security and international navigation freedom was among the main focuses of this meeting. Additionally, issues related to Palestine and the situation in Yemen and Libya were also on the agenda.
In a statement released after the meeting, el-Sisi's office emphasized that the relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia should serve as a model for cooperation within the Arab framework. The two countries also highlighted the importance of common security and stressed the threats arising from violations of Sudan's territorial integrity.
Although no specific details of military cooperation between the two countries were announced, Egypt has been participating in a Saudi-led coalition for Red Sea security since last August. This coalition was formed due to international concerns to prevent the potential closure of Bab al-Mandab by the Houthis.
Analysts believe that military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt will likely include information sharing, maritime surveillance, and protection of commercial transport. However, Egypt will cautiously refrain from entering military conflicts in Yemen, as past experiences show that such interventions can lead to strategic traps.
Read more: Saudi Arabia Seeks Military Assistance and Security for Oil Exports · Houthis and the U.S. Signed a Secret Agreement on the Yemen War
