Sisi: Egypt will take any action to defend Saudi Arabia
The Egyptian President announces the execution of any defensive action for Saudi Arabia upon King Salman's request.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called on parliament on Saturday to convene an emergency session to authorize him for any intervention requested by Saudi Arabia, affirming his country’s resolve “to protect the territories of our brothers in the Gulf and defend them with strength.” In response to his request, the House of Representatives decided to hold a general session tomorrow, Sunday.
Speaking during a ceremony for the graduation of military academy students in New Cairo, el-Sisi said, “I address a message to everyone in the Gulf to stop this ongoing war. But regardless of this appeal or hope, Egypt, in accordance with the directives of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the directives of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, will implement any measure to protect and defend you.”
He continued, “I say to the entire world: We are not seeking a role, but it is absolutely unacceptable for us to allow Saudi Arabia, its security, or its stability to be compromised. We will implement any measure to protect and defend our brothers. I know that parliament’s approval is required for this matter, and I hope it convenes in an emergency session to grant us this mandate if requested. I am not speaking of fighting or attacking anyone; I am speaking only of defense.”
El-Sisi expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, for their support of Egypt following the events of 2013. He affirmed that gas and oil ships had arrived in Egypt free of charge, and that without their stance, the country would have faced an unknown path.
He stated, “During the events of 2011, the state was on the ground. All reserves were depleted, the economy shrank, and there was no fuel or anything else. In 2013, our brothers in the Gulf stood by Egypt’s side. I will not feel shy or embarrassed to offer thanks and appreciation to our brothers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Allow me to request that the Armed Forces pay them a military salute.”
On the other hand, el-Sisi noted that his presidential term will end in 2030. He added, “I mentioned that the constitution will not be amended. During our presence at the Police Academy last Thursday, two journalists spoke with me and asked if I was assured that this measure was sound... The upcoming period until 2030 will mark the end of my presidential term. Whether I live or not is a settled matter and will not be discussed.”
El-Sisi said he had proposed a plan to prepare and qualify potential candidates for the presidency, specifically PhD holders from prestigious Egyptian and foreign universities, through a 30-month training program at the Military Academy, funded by the Armed Forces. He clarified that the program would target individuals aged between 40 and 50 who meet the eligibility requirements for the presidency.
He pointed out the possibility of forming groups comprising 200, 300, or 500 people, thereby enabling citizens to choose from among several qualified individuals to assume the presidency, take responsibility, and lead the state in various fields. He called on Parliament Speaker Mustafa Al-Badawi to take responsibility for preparing a legislative framework for the proposal, in collaboration with a select group of trusted thinkers and politicians, and with the participation of the Ministries of Higher Education and Justice, ultimately leading to the drafting of a law regulating the election of those who meet the required conditions.
