Why MBS’s Cairo Visit Matters for BRICS and the Global South

Source: Modern Diplomacy | Original Published At: 2026-09-16 16:10:00 UTC

Key Points

• Chinese strategic and think-tank circles assessed the meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as important for Red Sea security, Belt and Road shipping lanes, and BRICS economic cohesion.
• The analysts said a joint Egyptian-Saudi stance on the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz is aimed at protecting energy and trade routes without relying on Western-led security arrangements.
• The visit coincided with the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 September 2026 and was framed as strengthening the role of Egypt and Saudi Arabia after joining the BRICS bloc.
• Chinese analyses highlighted Saudi-Egyptian projects such as electricity interconnection, Saudi investment in Egypt, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and coordination through the Saudi-Egyptian Higher Coordination Council.
• The article said local-currency trade and regional integration could reduce dollar dependence and strengthen the Global South's position within BRICS.
• China views the Egyptian-Saudi rapprochement as supporting investments in Red Sea ports and the Suez Canal Economic Zone while stabilizing energy supply chains for BRICS and Global South economies.