Egypt's Defense Council backs Saudi Arabia with full solidarity and support pledge

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi chaired Egypt's National Defense Council, which declared full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and pledged all forms of support.

• Sisi chaired the council Sunday at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, attended by the prime minister, defense and foreign ministers, and intelligence chief.
• Spokesman Mohamed El-Shinawy said the council reviewed regional developments, citing "rejected aggressions" facing Saudi Arabia.
• The council declared full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and decided to provide all necessary support to defend its security and territories.
• The council decided to intensify political and diplomatic efforts with regional and international parties to reduce escalation and resolve crises peacefully.
• Egypt's House of Representatives convened an emergency session Sunday to consider President al-Sisi's request to authorize the armed forces to defend Saudi Arabia.
• Al-Sisi requested the mandate Saturday at a military academy graduation ceremony, stressing any action would be defensive, not offensive.