Egypt and Saudi Arabia share identical views on Yemen and Sudan issues

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held talks in Cairo on Monday, reaffirming their countries’ shared positions on resolving regional crises.

According to an Egyptian presidency statement, the leaders emphasized the importance of preserving state unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They specifically highlighted Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, and the Gaza Strip as key areas of focus.

The meeting comes amid tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which were once close partners in regional politics. The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) recently captured two strategic provinces in Yemen, prompting Saudi Arabia to propose an “inclusive conference” for southern Yemeni groups.

A delegation led by STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, following a call from Riyadh for dialogue. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has also called for de-escalation and a Yemeni-led political settlement.

In Sudan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia support the country’s de facto leader, while the UAE has been accused of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Horn of Africa region is another area of competition, with Saudi Arabia seeking to strengthen ties with Somalia’s federal government and the UAE cultivating close relations with Ethiopia and Somaliland.

Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland has further complicated regional dynamics. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have expressed differing views on the move, with Riyadh condemning it and Abu Dhabi welcoming it.

Source: Al Jazeera