Egypt’s Sisi meets MBS, backs Saudi call for secure Red Sea navigation

What the report says

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo on Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on statements from the Egyptian presidency and the Saudi Press Agency. During the visit, el-Sisi expressed support for Saudi calls to keep Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping routes secure and free of disruption.

The Saudi delegation included Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and other senior officials. The two sides also reiterated the importance of ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia and said regional security, including Saudi and Gulf security, is tied to Egypt’s national security. Their talks also touched on efforts to reach a lasting political settlement in Yemen.

The meeting came amid heightened concern over maritime traffic in the Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthi rebels have disrupted shipping and raised risks for vessels linked to Saudi interests. The report said the situation has had a direct economic impact on Egypt, which depends heavily on Suez Canal tolls for foreign currency.

Al Jazeera reported that Egypt lost about $7bn between 2023 and 2024, or roughly 60 percent of Suez Canal revenues, as Red Sea transit declined. The article said Cairo has voiced support for secure navigation but has not taken military action against the disruption.