Egypt’s House of Representatives will hold a plenary session at 1 p.m. on Sunday, after a National Defense Council meeting, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, pledged support to Saudi Arabia’s security early today.

The council decided to “provide all necessary and possible forms of support to Saudi Arabia to defend its security and stability, safeguard its resources and territorial integrity, and protect the Islamic holy sites,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The meeting expressed “full support and solidarity” with Saudi Arabia, in light of “the historic relations between their two peoples” and in recognition of “the close link between Saudi, Egyptian and Arab national security.”

The council also agreed on continuing and intensifying political and diplomatic efforts, in coordination with relevant regional and international parties, to “help de-escalate tensions across the entire region and resolve the crises facing it through peaceful means.”

Parliamentary Authorization

The House of Representatives is set to meet a day after El-Sisi’s call for an emergency session to authorize measures to defend Saudi Arabia if requested by Riyadh.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Egyptian Military Academy classes on Saturday, the president said Egypt is prepared to defend Saudi Arabia if requested, subject to parliamentary authorization.

“Under the directives of His Majesty King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we will take any measures to protect you and defend you,” El-Sisi said.

The president underscored the defensive nature of the proposed assistance, saying, “I am not talking about going to war with anyone or attacking anyone. We are talking about defense only.”

The notice sent to lawmakers did not provide further details about the session’s agenda or the form of authorization being sought.

Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Over 19 people died and 364 were injured as Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi attacks on its airports this month, according to the Saudi-led coalition.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was by far the most heavily targeted facility during these October attacks, with the strikes killing an Egyptian woman and injuring five other Egyptian nationals.

Saudi authorities also reported attacks on Abha International Airport, King Abdullah International Airport in Jazan, and Najran International Airport, while air defenses intercepted additional missiles and drones targeting the Kingdom.

During his speech, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of any threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and stability and expressed hopes for an end to the fighting in the Gulf.

Remembering Gulf Support

The president recalled the support Egypt received from Gulf countries following the political upheaval of 2011, saying the country had suffered a severe economic setback, its reserves had been depleted and fuel shortages had emerged.

“Shipments of oil, natural gas, butane and wheat were coming without limit,” he said, describing the assistance Egypt received from its Gulf partners.

He expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, saying Egypt would never forget their support.

He also asked the Egyptian Armed Forces to offer the three countries a military salute in recognition of their assistance.