Saudi, Egypt leaders for free, secure Red Sea navigation

CAIRO, Sept 15: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for free and secure navigation in the Red Sea during talks in Cairo on Tuesday, as the kingdom vowed to respond "firmly" to attacks by Yemen's Houthis.

The regional powers discussed the threat posed by the Iran-backed group's control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key shipping route vital to both Saudi oil exports and Egypt's Suez Canal revenues.

They called for "ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation" through the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, the Egyptian presidency said, adding that Sisi affirmed Egypt's support for measures taken by the kingdom "to protect its security and stability".

The Bab al-Mandab, the southern gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez, has become essential to Saudi oil exports this year after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz during the Middle East war, throttling shipments via the Gulf.�" AFP