Cristina Marcén
The residence of the Egyptian ambassador to Spain hosted a reception this Thursday to mark the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a celebration that brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Spain, authorities, business leaders, and members of civil society. Ambassador Ehab Badawy, accompanied by his wife, Omneya El Bendary, personally welcomed the guests at an event that highlighted the strengthening of relations between Madrid and Cairo.
The Spanish government was represented by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío, who echoed the ambassador’s sentiments in emphasizing the excellent state of the bilateral relationship. While the head of the diplomatic mission spoke of a “qualitative leap” between the two countries, Martínez Belío described the boost experienced by Spanish-Egyptian ties over the past year as “historic.”
During his remarks, the ambassador affirmed that it is an honor to represent Egypt in Spain “at this promising stage of qualitative leap in our bilateral relations” and recalled that President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s visit to Spain last year marked “a fundamental turning point” by laying the groundwork for the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
That new framework for cooperation was consolidated, he noted, with the first State Visit of Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Egypt and with the subsequent presence of the Spanish monarch at the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, two events that, in his view, reflect “the shared political will to elevate bilateral relations to the highest level.” In this context, he also expressed his hope to receive the official visit of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, soon, convinced that it will contribute to maintaining this positive momentum.
The ambassador also highlighted the alignment of positions between the two countries on international policy issues. “Egypt and Spain not only share common interests. Our foreign policies are based on respect for International Law, International Humanitarian Law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts,” he stated, before noting that the role both countries play in their respective regional contexts makes their partnership an “indispensable element for the stability of the Mediterranean.”
Alongside political cooperation, the diplomat emphasized the strengthening of economic and trade exchanges, as well as the growing importance of the cultural dimension of the bilateral relationship. In this regard, he expressed his confidence that the Egyptian-Spanish Cultural Year 2028 will become a milestone in further strengthening ties between the two peoples through long-term cultural initiatives.
Defense cooperation also featured prominently in his speech. The ambassador expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Space in the international exhibition to be held next September in El Alamein, where Spain will participate with a display of transport and combat aircraft.
For his part, Diego Martínez Belío emphasized that relations between Spain and Egypt “have received a historic boost” during the current ambassador’s tenure in Madrid. The Secretary of State highlighted as milestones of this new phase the visit of President Al-Sisi, the State Visit of the King and Queen, and the signing of the Strategic Partnership, a framework that will allow for the continued strengthening of ties he described as historic in the political, economic, diplomatic, and military spheres.
He also underscored the “great affinity” between Madrid and Cairo on virtually all issues on the international agenda, based on a shared commitment to International Law and joint efforts to promote stability on both sides of the Mediterranean. “We have a close relationship and a natural affinity with our Egyptian friends,” he stated, also highlighting the close personal, familial, cultural, and professional ties that unite the societies of both countries.
The reception also included cultural events. The ambassador offered words of gratitude to the Andorran ambassador to Spain, noting that she also serves as non-resident ambassador to the Principality, and publicly acknowledged the work of the writer Antonio Cabanas, who was present at the celebration. As a reader of his works, he especially recommended his latest novel, *The Son of the Pyramid*, published last May, emphasizing its contribution to maintaining interest in Egyptian civilization and strengthening dialogue between cultures.
The evening concluded with a tasting of Egyptian culinary specialties, allowing attendees to experience some of the country’s most representative flavors and enjoy conversation in a warm and friendly atmosphere.