President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives King Felipe VI of Spain in Cairo. Photo: Egyptian presidency
El-Sisi said Spain had taken a “principled decision” by recognizing Palestinian statehood after Israel’s war on Gaza began, describing the move as being “on the right side of history”, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
He also highlighted Spain’s support for a United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution backing the two-state solution, calling Madrid’s stance a sign of its commitment to Palestinian self-determination.
The Egyptian leader warned that the Palestinian cause remained at “the core of the regional conflict” and said Spain understood the “grave challenges” it faces, including the risk that the two-state framework could collapse entirely.
“We sincerely hope this support will endure, and look forward to cooperating to secure a lasting and equitable peace for the peoples of the region,” El-Sisi said.
Felipe praised Egypt’s efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and its plan for post-war reconstruction, which has been unanimously endorsed by Arab and Islamic states, the statement said.
Call for ceasefire and end to displacement
Both sides urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of detainees, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid.
They reaffirmed their rejection of Israeli attempts to displace Palestinians from their land, warning this would amount to “liquidating the Palestinian cause” and could trigger mass displacement and irregular migration towards Europe.
They also condemned Israeli settlement expansion and annexation plans in the occupied West Bank.
“We are also witnessing persistent attempts to fragment the West Bank, through both calls for annexation and ongoing spread of settlements in its occupied territories,” El-Sisi said.
They stressed the importance of endeavours to preserve peace that has “existed in the region since the 1970s”.
Regional crises and bilateral ties
“Egypt is currently facing formidable challenges across its various strategic fronts, to the east, west, and south, in addition to the shared challenges we confront in the Mediterranean,” the president said.
The two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine, security challenges around the Mediterranean, and ways to deepen economic, trade, investment, tourism, and cultural cooperation under a strategic partnership agreement signed during El-Sisi’s 2022 visit to Madrid.
“Our two nations have established an exemplary model to be emulated for fostering positive and advanced relations that serve the interests of their peoples and achieve their shared goals, both bilaterally and on the regional and multilateral fronts,” the president added.
El-Sisi noted that 13 Spanish archaeological missions are currently operating in Egypt, including in Saqqara, Luxor, Aswan, and Wadi El-Gemal, while Felipe expressed appreciation for Egypt’s cultural heritage and regional role.
He also thanked President El-Sisi for his warm welcome and generous hospitality.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrived in Cairo on Tuesday, marking the first royal visit to Egypt in decades.
Short link: