Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi with high ranking Egyptian government officials with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and top Spanish officials during their meeting. Photo courtesy of Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Facebook page.
This came during a joint communique issued Thursday at the end of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Spain.
El-Sisi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez underlined the importance of rallying international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip by boosting humanitarian aid and commitment to reconstructing the enclave without displacing the Palestinians.
Both sides voiced deep concern about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the hazards they pose to the entire region.
The two sides said that they welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees, with Spain emphasizing its appreciation of Egypt’s role as a mediator and guarantor of the ceasefire agreement.
The two sides affirmed the necessity of making the ceasefire permanent to enable the distribution of humanitarian aid and the release of the remaining hostages.
They added that they are committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority in providing essential services in the Gaza Strip and restoring order in preparation for the reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Spain commended Egyptian efforts to facilitate reconciliation between Palestinian factions.
The two sides reaffirmed the right of Palestinians to remain on their land as well as their rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians to neighbouring countries.
Egypt and Spain called on international donors to engage vigorously in the reconstruction conference to be hosted by Egypt.
UNRWA is irreplaceable
They underlined the commitment to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in its pivotal and irreplaceable role as a leading provider of humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip and a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees in Palestine and the region.
Egypt acknowledges Spain's continued support for the UN relief agency and commends the role of the Spanish Presidency of the UNRWA Advisory Commission in supporting the agency's international status and ensuring its role in the stabilization phase, the communique read.
According to the communique, Spain acknowledges Egypt's pivotal role at the humanitarian level.
It further stated that Egypt appreciates Spanish support for the response of the Egyptian health system to the war on Gaza, including the provision of medical supplies to Egyptian hospitals to meet the needs of the suffering civilians.
Egypt and Spain reiterate their condemnation of all acts of violence against civilians, emphasizing their commitment to the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the borders of 4 June 1967 as a basis for long-term stability in the region.
Egypt hailed Spain’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine as a "key contribution" to realizing peace and regional stability.
Egypt and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing Euro-Arab dialogue, particularly within the framework of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the two-state solution and the preparations for the UN Peace Conference scheduled for June in New York.
Turning to Syria
Both sides underscored the importance of a peaceful and comprehensive political transition in Syria, as per the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to supporting the Syrian people and backing international efforts to combat terrorism.
Both countries asserted the necessity of the safe return of Syrian refugees as stipulated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Egypt and Spain called on all parties to respect Syria's unity, sovereignty, and safety, condemning any violation of international law. They also urged all parties to abide by their pledges, including implementing all related UN Security Countries' resolutions.
Both sides stressed that Syria must not be a haven for terrorists and terrorist groups.
Syria must not pose any threats to neighbouring countries or the region, they added.
Situation in Lebanon
According to the communique, both parties affirmed their commitment to defusing tension and reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.
Egypt and Spain called on all parties to fully comply with their obligations under the ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the redeployment of the Lebanese army. They urged the international community to support the reconstruction efforts there.
The two parties also called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and other relevant international resolutions to restore durable security and stability in Lebanon and ensure the respect of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, following its internationally recognized borders.
"Egypt appreciates Spain's commitment to stability in Lebanon and the region through its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2006," the communique read.
The two sides underscored the importance of the international community's support for the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon.
The communique stated that they welcomed the election of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the appointment of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as crucial steps towards enabling Lebanese state establishments to play their role and meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people.
Situation in Libya
Both sides said they welcome the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) 's efforts to unify Libya's military and security institutions.
They asserted the need to achieve progress at the political and security levels, including withdrawing all foreign forces and mercenaries.
The two sides emphasized the necessity of finding a new, unified executive authority in Libya and holding presidential and parliamentary elections.
Stability in Africa
Shifting to Africa and the security of the Red Sea, Egypt and Spain reiterated their commitment to maintaining ongoing cooperation in food and security. They also stressed the importance of cooperation in transboundary water management following international law.
The two countries asserted the importance of stability in Africa, particularly the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa.
They agreed on the need to maintain the safety of international navigation movement in the Red Sea, which is a vital corridor to global trade, concerning its direct impact on the Suez Canal and vital supply chains.
Situation in Sudan
Additionally, the two sides discussed the situation in Sudan, with Spain appreciating Egypt's efforts to achieve stability there.
Both sides asserted the necessity of respecting Sudan's unity and safety and maintaining its national institutions. They underlined the importance of launching a comprehensive political process without any foreign dictations, including achieving the Sudanese people's democratic aspirations.
The two parties are urging countries and donors to honour the pledges they made at the conferences in Geneva on June 2023 and in Paris on April 2024 to support Sudan and neighbouring states hosting Sudanese fleeing war back home.
Regarding Euro-Mediterranean relations, the two sides underlined their commitment to supporting the region's enjoyment of peace, stability, and prosperity.
They are also committed to enhancing regional partnership, political dialogue and cooperation in fields of mutual interest, including trade, investment, energy, and agriculture.
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