Monday, 25 May 2026
Egyptian President welcomes Spanish King, Queen on historic state visit
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi warmly welcomed Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the presidential Al-Ittihadiya Palace today, marking the first-ever official state visit by a Spanish monarch to Egypt.
The visit, which follows the recent elevation of Egypt-Spain relations to a "strategic partnership" in February 2025, featured a ceremonial welcome. The festivities included an honor guard review, national anthems of both countries, mounted horse escort, a 21-gun salute, and a commemorative group photograph.
President Sisi hailed the importance of the visit, reflecting on the longstanding cultural and friendly ties between the two nations. The Egyptian leader emphasized the opportunity to expand cooperation, especially in economic, investment, tourism, culture, education, and heritage fields. “We welcome Your Majesties to your second home, Egypt, the cradle of civilization and a bridge of cultures,” President Sisi remarked during a ceremonial luncheon.
King Felipe VI expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s significant regional and international role, and the deep historical links that connect both countries.
During closed-door talks, President Sisi and King Felipe VI pledged to deepen bilateral relations and build on current momentum, focusing on boosting trade, transport cooperation, and exploring new opportunities in heritage conservation. The discussions also acknowledged successful collaborative projects, including the work by 13 Spanish archaeological missions in Egypt.
The talks addressed recent regional and international developments, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Sisi thanked Spain for its position supporting peace and the recent Spanish recognition of the State of Palestine, underscoring Madrid’s support for a two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination.
King Felipe VI was also briefed on Egypt’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and its initiatives for reconstruction in the devastated enclave, which have strong backing from both the Arab and Islamic worlds. Both leaders reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the preservation of peace in the region since the 1970s.
They jointly rejected any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, warning of the humanitarian, security, and geopolitical risks such actions would pose, including mass migration waves towards Europe.
Both Egypt and Spain also condemned Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and any annexation plans, calling them clear violations of international law.
The meeting also covered other pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of diplomatic and peaceful solutions that uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
The visit concluded with an exchange of honorary medals between the heads of state and first ladies, reflecting the special, enduring relationship between Egypt and Spain.
President Sisi hosted an official luncheon for the Spanish royals and delegations, at which he delivered a heartfelt speech welcoming the King and Queen, praising Spain’s efforts for peace, and reiterating Egypt’s readiness to further strengthen ties.
King Felipe VI thanked President Sisi and First Lady Entissar for their warm hospitality, underscoring Spain’s commitment to even closer cooperation with Egypt.