Speaking to Egyptian media and press representatives during a Ramadan gathering, the ambassador called for de-escalation, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states, and a return to dialogue and negotiations.
“War and violence cannot be normalized as a means to resolve conflicts,” Förster said.
The event was attended by Ahmed Al-Meselmani, chairman of the National Media Authority; Ezzat Ibrahim, editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram Weekly and Ahram Online; Ola Al-Shafei, chairwoman of the Board of Al-Youm Al-Sabe; Emad Al-Din Hussein, member of parliament and editor-in-chief of Al-Shorouk newspaper; Rasha Seri, media advisor to the EU delegation to Egypt; and Mohamed Nawar, former head of Egyptian Broadcasting.
Members of the Spanish diplomatic and consular missions, including Cristina Fraile, deputy head of the Spanish mission to Egypt, and Jose Sanchez Crespo, Spanish press and information consultant, were also present.
The ambassador reaffirmed Spain’s rejection of military action by the US and Israel, as well as Iran’s unjustified attacks on regional states, while criticizing “the brutal repression by the Iranian regime against its people.”
Spain’s commitment to upholding international law extends to issues in Ukraine, Venezuela, Greenland, Iran, and Gaza, the ambassador noted.
On bilateral relations, he noted that 2026 will focus on activating the Egypt-Spain partnership across sectors, emphasizing tangible results and deepening cooperation.
He highlighted the long-standing friendship between Egypt and Spain, recalling that 2025 marked a historic upgrade of ties to a strategic partnership.
He also highlighted shared perspectives on Mediterranean and Middle East issues, with both nations prioritizing peace and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
“In 2025, bilateral trade reached €3.25 billion, with prospects for growth as Spanish businesses and investors show interest in Egypt, especially given international recognition of Egypt’s achievements,” he said.
He also noted that during the FITUR Tourism Fair in January, Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy reported that 242,000 Spanish tourists visited Egypt in 2025, with numbers expected to rise this year.
The ambassador highlighted the two countries’ shared cultural heritage, citing over 300 Spanish language specialists in 24 Egyptian universities and 14 Spanish archaeological missions in Egypt. In 2025, more than 2,500 Egyptians attended Spanish language courses at Cervantes Institutes in Cairo and Alexandria, totalling 250,000 study hours.
On education, several Spanish universities are opening branches in Egypt, reflecting growing academic cooperation. In 2025, Egypt and Spain signed a sustainable development alliance focused on social, environmental, and economic transformation, involving around 40 active projects valued at 25 million euros.
Describing defence ties as “excellent,” the ambassador noted the visit of Spain’s defence chief of staff to Egypt in November and ongoing cooperation in training and defence industries.
He concluded by reaffirming Spain’s commitment to regional stability and strengthening its strategic partnership with Egypt, based on respect for international law and prioritizing dialogue over coercion.
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