Egyptian foreign minister stresses coordination with partners over Red Sea navigation

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

CAIRO, Egypt (AA) - Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday said Cairo will continue to coordinate with its partners over the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, where Yemen's Houthis have stepped up attacks on commercial vessels linked to Israel, prompting shipping companies to reroute to avert disruption.

Shoukry, in a joint press conference with British counterpart David Cameron in the Egyptian capital, said littoral countries of the Red Sea have a permanent responsibility to protect it.

Egypt, however, did not announce its participation in the US-led naval coalition to tackle the growing threat.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels say the attacks aim to support Palestinians as they face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The US-led coalition, named Operation Prosperity Guardian, includes Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the Seychelles, and the UK.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

British Foreign Secretary Cameron had earlier said the UK and its partners will not tolerate threats to maritime security in the Red Sea.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar