Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Cairo, addressing an escalation in southern Yemen. A presidential statement highlighted that the talks focused on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the dialogue emphasized the necessity of enhancing Egyptian-Saudi coordination on complex regional matters. Both parties shared a commitment to pursuing peaceful solutions to preserve the unity and sovereignty of states, with particular attention to Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, and the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian president expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's initiative to convene a conference aimed at fostering dialogue among Yemeni factions concerning the southern regions. This invitation was extended by Riyadh on Saturday to all non-Houthi-controlled Yemeni parties, following a recent announcement by Aidarous Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), regarding a two-year transitional phase involving dialogue and a referendum on the south's future.
The developments in Yemen have been marked by the STC's temporary capture of Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces, which were subsequently reclaimed by government forces. These provinces are strategically significant, constituting nearly half of Yemen's territory and adjoining Saudi Arabia.
The meeting also addressed accusations from Saudi Arabia last week, claiming that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) encouraged STC military actions near the Saudi border. The UAE has denied these allegations.
In addition, President Sisi welcomed preparations for the inaugural meeting of the Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council, to be co-chaired by himself and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later this year. Concurrently, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged with Prince Faisal, discussing regional developments as per a foreign ministry readout.
The discussions between Abdelatty and bin Farhan focused on Egypt's role in advancing the Gaza ceasefire plan, ensuring humanitarian aid delivery, and opposing actions that compromise Palestinian territorial integrity. The ministers also reviewed the situation in the Horn of Africa, expressing opposition to unilateral actions impacting Somalia's sovereignty, and reiterated support for Saudi efforts towards de-escalation in Yemen and pursuing a humanitarian truce and comprehensive ceasefire in Sudan.