Egypt’s parliament has authorised President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to send military reinforcements to Saudi Arabia if requested by the kingdom, approving a mandate that allows the president to take necessary measures to support and defend Saudi territory, sovereignty, and holy sites against any external aggression.
The mandate was approved following secret parliamentary sessions held on October 18, 19, and 26. The sessions were convened at the request of the president in accordance with the constitution and the parliament’s internal regulations.
According to a parliamentary statement, the secret sessions allowed lawmakers from various political affiliations to discuss the delicate regional situation and its impact on Egyptian and Arab national security. The sessions were attended by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Hani Hanna, and the Assistant Minister of Defence for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Major General Khaled Shohdy.
The parliamentary approval aligns with a consensus reached by Egypt’s National Defence Council during its meeting on October 18. Chaired by Al-Sisi, the council affirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia last week, stating its readiness to provide all necessary and possible forms of support to defend the kingdom’s security, stability, and territorial integrity amid escalating attacks.
Following the council’s meeting at the presidential palace in Cairo, the Egyptian presidency issued a statement reaffirming Cairo’s unwavering support for Riyadh. The presidency cited the historic ties between the two countries and the close connection between Saudi, Egyptian, and broader Arab national security.
The council pledged to provide all necessary and possible assistance to safeguard the kingdom’s security, stability,resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites. It also called for intensified political and diplomatic efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to de-escalate tensions across the region and pursue peaceful solutions to ongoing crises.
