The Egyptian President receives the Saudi Crown Prince in an official visit to discuss regional developments.

Egyptian President to Host Saudi Crown Prince Amid Regional Tensions

The Egyptian presidency announced that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today, Tuesday. This visit coincides with escalating developments and threats posed by Iranian militias in the region.

The official spokesperson for the presidency clarified that the visit’s agenda includes a bilateral meeting between the two leaders, followed by an extensive discussion session between the delegations of both countries. President El-Sisi will then host a luncheon in honor of the Saudi Crown Prince.

The discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral relations across various fields, as well as exchanging views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Three Key Issues on the Agenda

Egyptian politician Mustafa Bakri stated that developments in Yemen top the list of three critical issues during the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Cairo.

Bakri highlighted that the situation in Yemen, particularly following the fall of Al-Mokha and several Red Sea ports to Houthi militia control, will be a central topic of discussion. This situation poses significant risks to Arab national security and global trade.

The talks will also address anticipated scenarios for the upcoming period and strategies for regional and international engagement. Additionally, the discussions will cover the implications of the Iranian-American conflict on the security and stability of regional countries.

The third issue involves the Palestinian cause, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas participating in discussions related to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan. The talks will focus on Israel’s failure to implement the first phase’s provisions and the dangers posed by Israeli proposals regarding displacement and the resolution of the Palestinian issue.

Egypt Rejects Houthi Proposal on Red Sea Navigation

In a related context, Al-Arabi Al-Jadid reported that Egyptian authorities rejected a Houthi proposal received via the International Chamber of Shipping in London regarding direct communications to coordinate with the Suez Canal Authority and Egyptian ports on organizing navigation in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea.

The rejection followed a request received by the Egyptian Maritime Chamber from London regarding the Houthis’ desire to establish new rules to secure navigation after their control over areas of the western Yemeni coast.

A prominent Egyptian source confirmed that Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, firmly rejected the request, emphasizing that he would not grant any implicit recognition to a party not internationally recognized simply by responding to their message.

The source noted that Egypt aims to prevent the establishment of a new reality that would restrict navigation through Bab al-Mandab under the authority of a body recognized only by Iran, which could increase costs and risks even if the strait remains open.

President El-Sisi had previously asserted during BRICS meetings in New Delhi that Egypt opposes any attempts to militarize the Red Sea, warning of the current developments in the Middle East’s impact on the global economy.

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