Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the President of Egypt, and Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, emphasized the need to guarantee freedom and security of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea during their negotiations on September 15. These discussions took place amid a rapidly escalating crisis in Yemen, where Iranian-backed Houthi militants are quickly advancing along the shores of the Red Sea.
Egypt's Support for Saudi Security
During these negotiations, el-Sisi expressed his support for Saudi Arabia's efforts to maintain security and stability in the country. He stressed the importance of taking necessary measures to prevent any threats to navigation in these strategic waters. The discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in maritime security and countering common threats.
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Given the current critical situation, Egypt and Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of international cooperation to ensure maritime security and maintain freedom of navigation in straits and seas. As key players in the region, both countries feel their responsibilities towards ensuring security and stability in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Increasing Tensions in Yemen and the Region
The negotiations between el-Sisi and bin Salman come as reports indicate the rapid advance of Houthi militants along the shores of the Red Sea. These advances have raised serious concerns regarding the security of navigation and maritime traffic in the region. In this context, the United States has recently released a report indicating the heavy economic costs incurred by the country in countering Iranian threats in the region.
The reports indicate that the United States has spent approximately $33.4 billion in the war against Iran as of June 29. These expenditures clearly reflect the growing concerns of the United States regarding Iranian influence in the region and its impact on global security.
Meanwhile, various countries, especially in the Gulf region and adjacent seas, must enhance their cooperation to address common threats. The actions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt in this regard could serve as a model for other countries to collaborate in ensuring security and stability in the region.
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