In discussions held in Cairo on Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored the importance of ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Straits of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, and the Red Sea amidst escalating regional security challenges.
According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency following the meeting, President el-Sisi affirmed Egypt's steadfast position in supporting Saudi Arabia and all Arab countries facing current regional challenges.
The Egyptian President emphasized his country's support for Saudi Arabia's measures to safeguard its security and stability, along with backing efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable political solution to the Yemeni crisis.
Focus on Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab
The discussions highlighted the joint Egyptian-Saudi commitment to safeguarding the freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Straits of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, and the Red Sea, as stated by the Egyptian presidency.
This stance places two crucial maritime passages in the spotlight of Cairo and Riyadh's coordination amidst rapid developments in the Gulf region, the Red Sea, and Yemen.
Both sides affirmed the need for intensified coordination and communication between Egypt and Saudi Arabia to face regional challenges.
Saudi Crown Prince expressed his appreciation for Egypt's leadership under President el-Sisi in supporting efforts for regional stability and peace, valuing Egypt's solidarity and support for the Kingdom in facing what the statement described as "recent geopolitical challenges."
Palestine and Gaza
Regarding the Palestinian issue, the Egyptian presidency reported that Cairo and Riyadh share identical positions on the necessity for a fair and comprehensive resolution based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy.
Both parties stressed the need to implement the second phase of the U.S. President's peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, alongside facilitating sufficient humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and halting Israeli violations in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Message on Sudan
The meeting also conveyed a notable stance regarding the Sudanese crisis, with both parties pledging continued support for Sudan's security and stability, emphasizing the exclusivity of its national institutions.
According to the statement, both countries rejected "equating the Sudanese armed forces with any militia or illegitimate parallel entities."
Cairo and Riyadh stressed that "any threat to Sudan's unity and territorial integrity poses a risk to the collective security of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and all regional countries."
The talks reflect a high level of Egyptian-Saudi coordination amidst multiple regional hotspots, from maritime security in the Gulf and the Red Sea to Yemen, Sudan, and the Palestinian issue.