El‑Sisi Hosts Saudi Crown Prince in Cairo as Houthi Attacks Escalate

# What happened President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi welcomed Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo on Tuesday, 15 September. The visit focused on strengthening Egypt–Saudi relations and exchanging views on regional developments amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

# Why the meeting matters now Egypt publicly condemned the Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional security and stability. The Egyptian ministry said Cairo stands in full solidarity with Riyadh and described the national security of the two countries as interconnected and indivisible.

The most recent attacks included a strike on King Khalid Airbase in Khamis Mushait, a major commercial and military city in Saudi Arabia, which injured 13 civilians. Those incidents are part of a wider escalation affecting the Gulf, the Red Sea, and major international shipping routes.

# What leaders discussed and planned El‑Sisi and Mohammed bin Salman were expected to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and to exchange views on regional and international developments. The scheduled agenda included a bilateral meeting followed by expanded talks between Egyptian and Saudi delegations. El‑Sisi was to host a luncheon in honor of the Saudi Crown Prince.

This visit followed a phone call earlier in the month in which the two leaders spoke about bilateral relations and the need to reduce regional tensions.

# Regional security priorities on the table The meeting came as attention to maritime security and navigation in strategic waterways increased. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have coordinated closely on regional developments, particularly given concerns about the impact of hostilities in and around the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea on shipping and trade routes.

# Immediate facts to keep in mind

• Date: 15 September (visit to Cairo).
• Attendees: President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• Context: Renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.
• Incident: Assault on King Khalid Airbase in Khamis Mushait injured 13 civilians.

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