Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for a working visit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The Egyptian presidency said the talks covered bilateral relations, regional security and the wars in Gaza, Sudan and Yemen.
Gulf security framed as an Egyptian interest
Presidency spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said Al-Sisi told the crown prince that the security of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states is part of Egypt's national security. Al-Sisi said Egypt rejects any attack or threat against Saudi sovereignty, stability or territorial integrity.
The two sides stressed the importance of protecting freedom and security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Bab Al-Mandab and the Red Sea. Shipping on those routes has been disrupted for months, lifting freight and fuel costs and adding to inflation pressure in importing countries.
Al-Sisi also voiced support for steps Saudi Arabia has taken to protect its own security and for efforts to reach a political settlement in Yemen. Mohammed bin Salman, in turn, praised Cairo's role in supporting regional stability.
Gaza and Sudan on the agenda
On the Palestinian issue, the two leaders backed a settlement based on the two-state solution and international law. The presidency said they called for implementation of the second phase of the US president's peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, more humanitarian aid into Gaza, and an end to Israeli actions in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
On Sudan, they said the country's national institutions hold sole legitimacy and rejected placing the Sudanese Armed Forces on the same footing as militias. They warned that any threat to Sudan's unity or territory would endanger the collective security of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Trade and investment
The leaders agreed to speed up practical steps to increase bilateral trade and investment and to remove obstacles that limit economic ties. The crown prince conveyed greetings from King Salman and stressed the two countries' shared interest in expanding cooperation. Al-Sisi congratulated the Saudi leadership ahead of the kingdom's National Day on September 23.
The visit comes as Middle East shipping risks stay high and as ceasefire diplomacy over Gaza continues. Egypt has hosted several rounds of regional talks this year.