Egypt's el-Sisi Meets Saudi Crown Prince, Backs Call for Secure Red Sea Navigation

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during which he expressed support for Saudi Arabia's call to ensure secure navigation in the Red Sea, according to Al Jazeera.

The report said the discussions come amid ongoing concerns over disruptions to shipping through the Red Sea, a critical corridor for global trade that links the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

According to Al Jazeera, the disruptions have had a significant impact on Egypt's economy, with revenues from the Suez Canal—one of the country's key sources of foreign currency—falling by $7bn over the past two years.

The Suez Canal has served for over a century as a vital artery for international shipping, and any threats to safe passage through the Red Sea carry direct economic consequences for Egypt, which relies heavily on canal fees.

Al Jazeera's report did not provide further details on the specific measures discussed by the two leaders to address navigation security in the region, nor did it specify the exact date or location of the meeting.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are among the region's most influential economies, and both have voiced concern over threats to maritime security in waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula in recent years.