Egypt's Sisi Pledges to Defend Saudi Arabia if Riyadh Requests Assistance

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi pledged to defend Saudi Arabia if its leadership requests assistance, expressing hope that parliament would convene an emergency session to authorize such measures if needed.

Speaking at a military academy graduation ceremony on Saturday, Sisi said Cairo was prepared to take whatever steps were necessary to defend Saudi Arabia at the request of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

His remarks come amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have launched repeated missile and drone attacks on the kingdom's airports and energy infrastructure.

Sisi Recalls Gulf Support in 2013

The announcement came as Sisi recalled the economic assistance Egypt received from Gulf states in 2013, crediting Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait with providing vital supplies at no cost.

"If our brothers in the Gulf had not stood by Egypt in 2013, I don't know what would have happened. Ships carrying oil, gas, cooking gas and wheat were arriving without any charge. I will not be ashamed or embarrassed to thank and appreciate our brothers in the Gulf: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait," Sisi said.

Sisi Rules Out Extending Presidency Beyond 2030

During the same address, Sisi said he would leave office when his current presidential term expires in 2030, ruling out further constitutional changes to extend his presidency.

He insisted that the Egyptian constitution "would not be touched" and described his decision to step down as final.

He also rejected the possibility of arranging for a family member or relative to succeed him, saying he was announcing his intentions years in advance to dispel such speculation.

"This is a very big country, and such things cannot happen here," he said.

Plans for Political Succession

Sisi said the remaining years of his presidency would be devoted in part to preparing a new generation of government and political leaders.

He identified the Military Academy as a central institution for that effort, saying it would train hundreds of prospective officials, ministers and presidential candidates.

Sisi's administration has faced criticism over restrictions on political opposition and civil society, as well as economic policies.

The government has rejected allegations concerning political freedoms, arguing that its policies are necessary to maintain stability and security.