Egypt and Saudi Arabia have stressed the importance of protecting navigation through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait as renewed tensions raise concerns about international shipping.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed Red Sea security during talks in Cairo.
Business Insider Africa, citing Reuters and Egypt’s presidency, reported that the two sides emphasised the need to ensure safe navigation through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
The waterway forms part of a major trade route connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.
Red Sea shipping remains vital to global trade
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait lies between Yemen and the African countries of Djibouti and Eritrea.
It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
An estimated 12% of global trade passes through the wider Red Sea corridor, according to the reporting.
Ships that avoid the route may instead travel around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. This can increase journey times, fuel consumption and insurance costs.
Egypt seeks to protect Suez Canal recovery
Red Sea security is particularly important for Egypt.
Ships travelling from Asia towards the Suez Canal normally pass through Bab el-Mandeb before entering the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal is also an important source of foreign currency for Egypt.
Previous disruptions caused many shipping companies to divert vessels around Africa.
President Sisi said in March 2025 that those disruptions were costing Egypt about $800 million per month. Egypt lost an estimated $7 billion in Suez Canal revenue during 2024.
Revenue later increased by 23% to about $4.67 billion during the 2025/2026 financial year.
However, that remained below the $8.75 billion recorded in 2022/2023.
Renewed disruption in the southern Red Sea could put that recovery under pressure.
Yemen fighting adds to Red Sea concerns
The talks came as fighting intensified in Yemen and territorial control changed along parts of the country’s western coast.
Houthi forces have taken positions along the Red Sea coast, including strategically located islands near the approaches to Bab el-Mandeb.
The group has also reported attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, disruption around other major Gulf shipping routes has increased concern about international energy supplies.
Any significant interruption at Bab el-Mandeb could affect shipping between the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Suez Canal.
For Egypt and Saudi Arabia, maintaining safe navigation through the Red Sea therefore remains an important economic and security concern.