**Title: Egypt's Sisi Meets MBS, Supports Saudi Call for Secure Red Sea Navigation**
**Cairo, Egypt** – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a significant meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (commonly referred to as MBS) in Cairo on September 15, 2026. The discussions centered on the crucial issue of maritime security in the Red Sea, particularly in light of recent developments involving Yemen's Houthi rebels.
During the meeting, which included a delegation of senior Saudi officials such as Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, President Sisi expressed his strong backing for Saudi Arabia’s calls for secure and unhindered navigation in the Red Sea. This support comes at a time when the region has seen increased tensions and disruptions to maritime traffic, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the importance of secure navigation through both the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical chokepoint for global shipping, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Recent escalations in the conflict have raised concerns about the safety of maritime routes, especially following the Houthi rebels' capture of Mocha port and their control over key areas affecting shipping lanes.
The Houthi movement, which is aligned with Iran, has been involved in a protracted conflict with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. In recent weeks, the Houthis have made significant territorial gains, including coastal areas essential for oil shipping. Despite assurances from the Houthis that maritime traffic would remain unaffected, there have been reports of attacks on Saudi-linked vessels, raising alarms about the safety of navigation in the region.
President Sisi's support for Saudi Arabia’s security efforts is particularly pertinent given the economic implications for Egypt. The country relies heavily on revenues from the Suez Canal, which serves as a vital artery for international trade. Recent disruptions in Red Sea transit have had a detrimental impact on Egypt's economy, with estimates indicating a loss of approximately $7 billion between 2023 and 2024, representing about 60 percent of the canal's revenues, as reported by the Suez Canal Authority.
While Egypt has expressed its concerns regarding the situation, it has so far refrained from taking military action to address the disruptions caused by the Houthis. The Egyptian government continues to monitor the situation closely, balancing its diplomatic support for Saudi Arabia with its own economic interests.
The meeting between President Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscores the strengthening ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, particularly in matters of regional security and stability. Both leaders are likely to continue collaborating on strategies to address the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Yemen and its broader implications for maritime security in the Red Sea.
As the situation evolves, the international community will be watching closely to see how these developments impact not only regional security but also global shipping routes that are critical to international trade.