Egyptian Foreign Minister hopes Sánchez will visit his country in 2026 at Al-Sisi’s invitation

Eduardo González Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares received his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, in Madrid on Monday. Abdelatty conveyed his desire for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to visit Egypt this year at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. During the meeting, held at the Ministry headquarters in the Palacio de Viana, Albares and Abdelatty discussed the upcoming signing of three bilateral agreements: one on triangular cooperation, another on political consultations in Africa and the Middle East, and a third on a program of visits and exchanges for young diplomats. These agreements build upon the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by Sánchez and al-Sisi in Madrid in February 2025. "This excellent political and diplomatic relationship also extends to our economic relationship," Albares stated at the joint press conference following the meeting. “Last year, we exported €1.76 billion worth of goods to Egypt, and there are 1,200 Spanish companies that regularly export to Egypt, creating jobs and prosperity for both countries,” added the minister, who announced that a new edition of the business forum will be held in Madrid this fall, following the one held in Cairo last September. The two ministers also discussed “the complex situation in the Middle East, the war in Iran, the conflict in Lebanon, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the situation in Sudan,” Albares explained. “Regarding Iran and the Middle East, I want to highlight and applaud Egypt’s mediating efforts, its constructive stance, and its unwavering commitment to supporting de-escalation and negotiated solutions, so that dialogue and diplomacy prevail in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon—exactly what Spain wants,” he continued. “Spain urges all parties to respect the ceasefires until negotiations culminate in a solution that finally puts a definitive end to the conflict. In Iran, and also in Lebanon, we want the recently announced 45-day extension to be honored,” he added. “I have also shared with Minister Abdelatty our concern about the current situation in Sudan. The risk of the country's division seems increasingly evident to me, and I deeply regret the continued insistence on a military solution,” Albares warned. “This conflict is causing one of the greatest humanitarian catastrophes, with enormous suffering for the population and, often, without the media attention it deserves,” he lamented. “What is happening in Sudan is also a disgrace to humanity, and for this reason, we will work together to advance the peace process and the future reconstruction of Sudan,” he affirmed. Badr Abdelatty For his part, the Egyptian minister expressed his desire to elevate the level of relations with Spain within the framework of the Strategic Partnership Agreement through “high-level visits between the two countries.” In this regard, he stated that his country hopes “that the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, will visit Egypt” at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, “his friend.” “Let’s hope this happens in 2026,” he added. Pedro Sánchez has visited Egypt on several occasions since becoming Prime Minister. The first time was in February 2021, when he was received by al-Sisi. He also returned to Egypt in November 2022 to participate in COP27, in October 2023 for the Cairo Peace Summit, and in November 2023 as part of a tour of the Middle East accompanied by the then Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo. In addition, Al-Sisi has made two official visits to Spain: in 2015 and in February 2025 to sign the aforementioned Strategic Partnership Agreement. Furthermore, the King and Queen of Spain made a state visit to Egypt in September 2025. Abdelatty also praised “the work of Spanish companies in Egypt within the framework of the 2030 vision” and stated that his country would like to “attract more Spanish investment.” “There are very good prospects and opportunities for investment,” Abdelatty continued, highlighting “Spanish expertise in technology in the field of clean renewable energy and transportation” and asserting that “Spanish companies have a very important role to play in modernizing and updating our networks, especially the railway networks.” Regarding the Middle East, he advocated for “a just and lasting solution to allow the Palestinian people to have their independent state and return to the status quo of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” He agreed with Spain that “there is no military solution” to the Iran-Iraq conflict and informed Albares about Egypt’s efforts, “in cooperation with other countries, to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.” Separately, he called for “a comprehensive, inclusive process in Sudan free from foreign interference” and warned against “the illegal flow of weapons into Sudan by foreign entities outside the state,” emphasizing that “it is crucial for Sudan’s neighboring countries to control arms trafficking into Sudan.”

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