Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received on Tuesday Spanish defence minister Pedro de Morenés y Álvarez de Eulate to discuss boosting cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

El-Sisi and the Spanish minister discussed the current crisis facing the MENA region and the necessity of formulating a clear plan to combat it, while stressing the need for cooperation between western countries for the fight against terrorism.

Spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency Alaa Youssef said that a strategic plan for the fight against terrorism should not feature solely military action, but should also take into consideration the economic and social dimensions that have allowed for the spread of militancy in the area.

The Spanish defence minister stressed Spanish support of Egypt in its fight against terrorism as well as its aspiration and readiness to promote economic cooperation with Egypt.

The Spanish Ambassador and Egyptian defence minister Sedki Sobhi were also in attendance during the Tuesday meeting.

Egypt and Spain previously signed an agreement for cooperation on crime and security when President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi last visited Spain in April 2015.

Both countries also agreed to study the feasibility of a high-speed train that would run between the capital Cairo and upper Egypt's Luxor.