Egypt's Sisi seeks parliament's backing to help defend Saudi Arabia if asked

President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi said on Saturday that Egypt would take any measures necessary to defend Saudi Arabia if asked, amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom, and parliament announced an emergency session on Sunday.

"It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed," Sisi said at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy. He said Egypt was not seeking to attack anyone, but was prepared to act in defence.

Yemen's Houthis have, in recent days, attacked Riyadh's international airport and the state oil giant Saudi Aramco, amid renewed fighting with the forces of the internationally recognised government following the collapse of a truce.

Sisi said Egypt would act in accordance with guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who visited Sisi on September 15, after fighting in Yemen reignited, to discuss issues including security and navigation in the Red Sea.

Parliamentary approval

"I know this requires the approval of the Egyptian parliament, and I ask that an emergency session be held so that it can give us that authorisation if we are asked," Sisi said.

Shortly after he spoke, parliament said it would hold a plenary session at 1 pm (10:00 GMT) on Sunday in response to the request, though it did not disclose the agenda.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are close strategic and economic partners.

Egypt also joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in 2015 to support the Yemeni government against the Houthis.