Egypt’s National Defense Council Pledges Support for Saudi Arabia

Egypt’s National Defense Council pledged to provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary and possible support to protect its security and territorial integrity, following a meeting chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Sunday, 18 October, according to a statement by the Egyptian Presidency.

The meeting, held at Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, addressed recent regional developments, particularly the escalating attacks against Saudi Arabia.

The Council reaffirmed Egypt’s solidarity with the Kingdom, stressing that Saudi Arabia’s national security was closely linked to Egyptian and Arab national security.

It agreed to provide support aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia’s security, stability, resources, borders, and Islamic holy sites. However, the statement did not specify what form the assistance would take or announce any military deployment.

The Council also called for intensified diplomatic efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to reduce tensions and resolve ongoing conflicts through peaceful means.

The meeting was attended by senior government and military officials, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and the Director of the General Intelligence Service.

The announcement comes as Egypt’s House of Representatives prepares to hold an emergency session at 1 P.M. on Sunday, following el-Sisi’s request for parliamentary authorisation to provide defensive assistance to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh asks for it.

During a speech at the Egyptian Military Academy on Saturday, 17 October, el-Sisi said Egypt was prepared to defend Saudi Arabia if requested, emphasising that any action would be defensive rather than an attempt to initiate military conflict.

The developments follow renewed attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco facilities, raising concerns over regional security and stability.