The meeting between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Cairo on Tuesday marks a new milestone in the long-standing strategic alliance between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting underscores the close coordination between Cairo and Riyadh and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties amid rapid regional and international developments.
The talks also represent another chapter in the deep-rooted historical and brotherly ties between the two countries, with the two leaders maintaining regular consultations on political, economic and regional issues.
Frequent visits reflect strength of ties
Egyptian-Saudi relations have been reinforced by a long history of reciprocal visits, while the close relationship between President El-Sisi and Crown Prince bin Salman has given the partnership fresh momentum.
The Crown Prince first visited Egypt in April 2015, followed by another visit in July of the same year. He made further visits in March and November 2018 and in June 2022, when the two countries signed 14 agreements worth more than 29 billion Saudi Rials in investments.
During his October 2024 visit to Cairo, the two leaders witnessed the signing of the minutes establishing the Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council, which is jointly chaired by the two leaders.
President Sisi, meanwhile, has made several visits to Riyadh, including his participation in the Arab Islamic-American Summit in May 2017, a visit in March 2022 and the Jeddah Security and Development Summit in July 2022, alongside other meetings and summits.
The sustained exchanges have made direct communication and coordination between the two leaderships a consistent feature of bilateral relations.
The relations between President Sisi and Crown Prince bin Salman have developed beyond the traditional framework of official ties, taking on a notably close and cordial character.
The two leaders share similar views on the importance of strong national states, combating terrorism and extremism, and promoting economic development as a foundation for stability.
Leaders underline depth of partnership
Over the years, statements by both leaders have repeatedly highlighted the strength of Egyptian-Saudi ties.
President Sisi has stressed that ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia are historic and deeply rooted, describing the Kingdom’s security and stability as an integral part of Egypt’s national security. He has also underlined the importance of the partnership to stability across the Arab world.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for his part, has repeatedly praised Cairo’s pivotal regional role, describing Egypt as the strategic depth of the Arab world and affirming Saudi Arabia’s support for Egypt in confronting various challenges.
Broad convergence on regional issues
The positions adopted by Cairo and Riyadh demonstrate broad convergence on major regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause.
Both countries support the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also maintain close coordination in Arab and international forums to end attacks and advance efforts towards a just settlement.
On Arab national security, Egypt and Saudi Arabia share opposition to foreign interference in the internal affairs of Arab states and support for strong national institutions. They also oppose terrorist organisations and armed militias that threaten regional stability.
The two countries also co-operate closely on Red Sea security. As the two largest states bordering the Red Sea, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have a shared interest in protecting this vital maritime corridor and safeguarding international navigation.
Mutual support in times of crisis
The strength of Egyptian-Saudi ties has also been demonstrated at critical moments in the history of both countries.
Saudi Arabia stood by Egypt during some of its most difficult periods and was among the countries that supported the Egyptian people’s position following the June 30, 2013 Revolution. Riyadh also provided substantial economic support through deposits, investments and development projects, with Saudi investments in Egypt eventually reaching tens of billions of dollars across thousands of companies and projects in various sectors.
Egypt, for its part, has consistently supported Saudi Arabia in confronting threats to its security and stability. Cairo has repeatedly stressed that the security of the Gulf is a red line and backed Riyadh in international forums, while rejecting attempts to undermine the Kingdom or interfere in its internal affairs.
