Egyptian parliament to hold emergency session as Sisi seeks approval to defend Saudi Arabia

Egypt's parliament will hold an emergency session on Sunday after President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi requested authorisation that could allow Egypt to help defend Saudi Arabia if asked by the kingdom. "The House of Representatives, headed by Counsellor Hisham Badawy, will hold an emergency session tomorrow, Sunday, in response to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's call," Al-Ahram newspaper reported. Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy on Saturday, Sisi said Egypt would take any measures necessary to defend Saudi Arabia if asked. He said Egypt would act in accordance with guidance from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince visited Sisi on 15 September, after fighting in Yemen reignited, to discuss issues including security and navigation in the Red Sea. "I know this requires the approval of the Egyptian parliament, and I ask that an emergency session be held so that it can give us that authorisation if we are asked," Sisi said. Shortly after Sisi’s speech, parliament said it would hold a plenary session on Sunday in response to the request, though it did not disclose the agenda.