Egypt’s President Meets Saudi Foreign Minister as Yemen Tensions Escalate

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi held high‑level talks in Cairo on Monday with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, as escalating developments in southern Yemen add new urgency to regional diplomacy.

The meeting, held at the Ittihadiya Palace, underscored the deep strategic coordination between Cairo and Riyadh at a time of heightened instability across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. According to an official Egyptian presidency statement, discussions focused on regional crises, shared security concerns, and efforts to preserve state sovereignty amid ongoing conflicts.

President Sisi stressed the importance of sustained Egyptian‑Saudi coordination, particularly in addressing regional flashpoints including Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and the Gaza Strip. Both sides reaffirmed their shared position that political solutions—rather than military escalation—remain essential to safeguarding the unity and territorial integrity of affected states.

A significant portion of the talks centered on Yemen, where recent developments in the country’s south have raised concerns among regional actors. Sisi welcomed Saudi Arabia’s initiative to host dialogue among Yemeni parties on the future of southern Yemen, describing it as a constructive step toward de‑escalation and political stabilization.

Saudi Arabia recently invited non‑Houthi Yemeni factions to participate in a conference addressing southern grievances, following announcements by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) of a proposed transitional phase and referendum. The situation remains fluid after government forces reclaimed control of key eastern provinces that border the Kingdom.

The meeting also took place against the backdrop of reported tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the role of STC forces in southern Yemen—an issue both Cairo and Riyadh appear keen to manage through diplomatic channels.

Beyond Yemen, President Sisi and Prince Faisal discussed preparations for the first meeting of the Egyptian‑Saudi Supreme Coordination Council, expected later this year and to be co‑chaired by Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The council is seen as a cornerstone of long‑term bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and security spheres.

Separately, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan to review regional developments, including efforts to advance the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and reject any actions that threaten Palestinian territorial unity.

The ministers also exchanged views on Sudan and the Horn of Africa, reiterating their opposition to unilateral measures affecting Somalia’s sovereignty and voicing support for Saudi‑led de‑escalation efforts in Yemen, as well as calls for a humanitarian truce and comprehensive ceasefire in Sudan.

The Cairo talks reflect Egypt and Saudi Arabia’s continued alignment as key regional power brokers, seeking to contain escalating conflicts through diplomacy while reinforcing a shared vision for regional stability.

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