Egypt’s Sisi seeks parliament’s backing to help defend Saudi Arabia if asked

CAIRO, Oct 17 (Reuters) Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday Egypt would take any measures necessary to defend Saudi Arabia if asked, amid escalating Houthi ​attacks on the kingdom, and parliament announced an ‌emergency session on Sunday. It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed, Sisi said at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy. He said Egypt was not ‌seeking ​to attack anyone, but was prepared ⁠to act in defence. Yemen s Iran-aligned ⁠Houthis have in recent days attacked Riyadh s international airport and the state oil giant Saudi Aramco, amid renewed fighting with the Saudi-backed forces of the internationally recognised government ​following the collapse of a truce. Sisi said Egypt would act in accordance with guidance from Saudi King Salman and ⁠Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who ⁠visited Sisi on September 15, after fighting in ​Yemen reignited, to discuss issues including security an