Egypt’s el-Sisi Meets MBS to Back Red Sea Security Call

Cairo Summit Targets Red Sea Maritime Security

According to an official statement by the Egyptian presidency, the high-level talks reinforced bilateral ties within the Arab framework and confirmed that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states remains an integral pillar of Egypt’s national security.

Delegation Focuses on Bab al-Mandeb Shipping Lanes

The high-stakes diplomatic encounter brought Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—widely known as MBS—to the Egyptian capital alongside a senior Saudi delegation that included Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The two leaders focused heavily on maritime stability, with the Saudi Press Agency reporting that MBS emphasized the absolute necessity of protecting shipping lanes in both the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the wider Red Sea corridor.

Yemeni Conflict and Regional Strategic Alignment

During their discussions, el-Sisi and the Saudi crown prince also reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable political solution to the protracted conflict in Yemen, where the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has recently lost key territories, including vital coastal areas critical for international oil shipping, to Iran-aligned Houthi forces.

Suez Canal Revenues Plummet Amid Houthi Control

The strategic focus on the Red Sea carries profound economic implications for Cairo. In recent months, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have captured Mocha port and established effective control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Despite repeated Houthi assurances that general commercial maritime traffic would remain unaffected, multiple Saudi-linked vessels have been targeted in the area.

This persistent instability has triggered a sharp decline in Red Sea transit, dealing a severe blow to the Egyptian economy. Egypt relies heavily on Suez Canal toll revenues as a primary source of incoming foreign currency. Data from the Suez Canal Authority indicates that Egypt lost approximately $7 billion between 2023 and 2024, representing about 60 percent of the waterway’s normal operating revenues.

Cairo Weighs Deterrence Over Direct Military Intervention

Despite these steep economic losses and domestic pressures, the Egyptian government has carefully avoided direct military intervention to halt Houthi tanker disruptions. Instead, Cairo continues to prioritize diplomatic alignment with Riyadh, reinforcing regional deterrence and joint security frameworks to safeguard strategic trade routes without escalating into broader military engagements.