Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi arrived in Madrid on Tuesday for an official visit to Spain aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, cooperation, and coordination between the two countries, according to Ambassador Mohamed El Shennawy, the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to receive Al-Sisi on Wednesday, with sources close to the matter telling Daily News Egypt that the two sides are expected to elevate their already close relationship to a strategic partnership.
Discussions between Al-Sisi and Sánchez are anticipated to cover several important issues, including reported concerns over US President Donald Trump’s plans regarding the Gaza Strip and the potential displacement of its residents.
Egypt has rejected Trump plans stressing its longstanding position that the only way forward is the two state solution. Cairo will also offer a counterplan for Gaza reconstruction with the backing of Arab states. The Spanish government has previously expressed its rejection of these plans. The government asserts that “Gaza belongs to the Gazans” and that the coastal enclave must form part of the future Palestinian state. Observers anticipate Sánchez will reaffirm this position to Al-Sisi, who is expected to explain his approach to the situation.
This marks Al-Sisi’s second official visit to Spain, following a previous trip in 2015. Sánchez has visited Egypt three times, most recently in November 2023.
According to El-Shennawy, the President’s itinerary includes meetings with the King of Spain, the Prime Minister, and representatives from major Spanish companies. Al-Sisi will also participate in an economic event with the Spanish business community.
Data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics indicates that the value of trade exchange between Egypt and Spain reached $3.1 billion in 2024. Egyptian exports to Spain totaled $1.5 billion in 2024, while Egyptian imports from Spain amounted to $1.6 billion in 2024.
