Saad added in a statement to ‘Sputnik’ that the Egyptian and Spanish positions have become closer on the Palestinian issue, opposing displacement, and condemning the ‘Israeli aggression’ on Gaza and the Palestinian territories. Notably, Spain canceled defense system purchase deals from Israel worth a million dollars, which is a progressive stance among European countries. The Egyptian ambassador believes that despite the symbolic powers of the King of Spain, the government’s position there enhances the potential positive outcomes of the visit, both bilaterally and regarding the Palestinian issue, especially ahead of the two-state solution conference in Geneva in a few days.
He emphasized that Spain’s stance has encouraged other European positions on the Palestinian issue, meaning that strengthening relations between Madrid and Cairo benefits the Palestinian cause and supports international efforts to end the ‘aggression’ and recognize the Palestinian state. The Egyptian ambassador noted the importance of the visit on a bilateral level, particularly in diplomatic coordination, increasing trade volume, and Spanish investments, as the visit of the King of Spain to Cairo could pave the way for greater investments and trade than before.
Data from the Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics revealed that the trade volume between Egypt and Spain reached $1.5 billion during the first half of 2025, compared to $1.6 billion during the same period in 2024. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Mrs. Entissar el-Sisi, the First Lady, received King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace on Wednesday, marking the first state visit by a Spanish king to the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy explained in a statement that the talks addressed ways to enhance the outstanding bilateral relations between Egypt and Spain, particularly in economic, investment, tourism, cultural, and educational fields. The spokesperson mentioned that the discussions covered recent regional and international developments, where the President expressed his appreciation for Spain’s positions supporting a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, notably through Spain’s recognition of the Palestinian state and voting in favor of the ‘New York Declaration on the Two-State Solution’ at the United Nations General Assembly. This reflects Madrid’s commitment to the two-state solution principle, affirming the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and establishing their independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The spokesperson stated that King Felipe listened to a presentation from the President on Egypt’s diligent efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and the President’s assessment of the regional situation, especially after the recent Israeli escalation. King Felipe praised Egypt’s efforts in this regard over the past two years, including the Gaza Strip reconstruction plan prepared by Egypt, which received support and approval at both the Arab and Islamic levels.
