CAIRO — Egypt's parliament will hold an emergency session on Sunday after President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi asked lawmakers to authorise support for Saudi defences against attacks by Yemen's Houthis, if requested by the kingdom.

 

Sisi on Saturday said Egypt was ready to defend Saudi Arabia "if requested”.

 

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian military academy, Sisi said Egypt was "not looking for a role to play" in regional conflicts, but added that it was "inconceivable" for Cairo to stand by while Saudi Arabia was "harmed or its security and stability threatened".

 

"Egypt, of course, with the directives of His Majesty King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will carry out any measure to protect you or defend you," he said.

 

He added that any deployment would require parliamentary approval and said he hoped lawmakers would convene in an emergency session to grant authorisation "if it is requested of us".

 

"I'm not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone," Sisi said. "We are speaking only about defence."

 

Meanwhile, Sisi also said he would not seek to remain in office when his current term expires in 2030, describing the matter as “completely settled.”

 

“The period leading up to 2030 will be the end of my term as president of the state, if I am still alive. This is completely settled and there will be no discussion about it,” he said.

 

On Saturday, he said the run-up to 2030 would be used to groom a new generation of leaders, with the Military Academy training hundreds of prospective officials, ministers and presidential candidates in statecraft and leadership.