El-Sisi, Saudi Crown Prince Meet in Cairo Amid Regional Escalation

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo on Tuesday, 15 September, for talks on strengthening relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia and developments across the region.

The visit comes amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which Egypt condemned on Tuesday, describing them as a violation of international law and a threat to regional security and stability.

The ministry said Egypt stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, stressing that the national security of the two countries is interconnected and indivisible.

The latest Houthi attacks targeted Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with missiles and drones, including an assault on the King Khalid Airbase in Khamis Mushait, a major commercial and military city, injuring 13 civilians.

El-Sisi and Mohammed bin Salman are expected to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international developments during the visit.

The two leaders’ meeting follows a phone call earlier this month in which they discussed bilateral relations and the importance of reducing regional tensions.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia have maintained close coordination on regional developments, particularly amid the wider escalation affecting the Gulf, Red Sea and major international shipping routes.

The visit is expected to include a bilateral meeting between the two leaders followed by expanded talks between Egyptian and Saudi delegations, with El-Sisi hosting a luncheon in honour of the Saudi Crown Prince.