Egypt refuses using Yemen as tool to threaten Red Sea security

CAIRO, Aug 13 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed on Monday that the security of Yemen is of major importance to Egypt's national security and the stability of the entire region, MENA news agency reported.

"Egypt categorically rejects using Yemen to threaten navigation in Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb strait," Sisi said at a press conference with his Yemeni counterpart AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi.

He said Hadi's visit to Egypt is of special importance given the critical stage the Yemeni crisis is passing through and the serious challenges facing the Arab region and threatening its security and stability in an unprecedented way.

This situation requires, Sisi said, rallying all efforts to change the tough conditions Yemenis are living in and face the hazards threatening all Arab countries.

He reiterated Egypt's keenness on the security and stability of Yemen and the integrity of its territories, expressing full support for the legitimate government of Yemen in face of those who are trying to tamper with the country's security and stability.

He welcomed the UN envoy to Yemen's efforts to reach a political solution to the crisis and achieve reconciliation among all political sides in line with internationally-agreed terms of reference, the Gulf Initiative, decisions of the National Dialogue and relevant UN resolutions.

Sisi said "My official talks with the Yemeni president tackled boosting bilateral relations, the developments of the Yemeni crisis, its security and political repercussions on the region and efforts Egypt should exert to push forward political solution mechanisms."