Egypt: Joint Statement on Intl. and Regional Issues Discussed during President El-Sisi’s Visit to Spain
The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the President of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain visited Madrid on February 19, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”) and agreed to the following:
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1.1 The Mediterranean faces unprecedented challenges and, ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona process, participants reaffirmed their commitment to support the region to become an area of ​​peace, stability and common prosperity. To this end, they are committed to strengthening regional partnerships and their institutions, promoting political dialogue and cooperation in areas of common interest such as trade and investment, transportation, energy, immigration, agriculture and fisheries, justice, security and promoting intercultural dialogue.
2. Peace Process in the Middle East
2.1 Both participants reiterated their deep concerns about existing conflicts in the Middle East and their risks to the entire region and beyond. In this regard, they welcome the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and the liberation of detainees. Spain praised Egypt for its role as a mediator and guarantor of the “Ceasefire Agreement”.
2.2 The two participants highlighted the need for the ceasefire to become permanent, allowing the allocation and release of the remaining hostages on a large scale, safe basis. Both countries are committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority to provide essential services in Gaza and restore security in preparation for reconstruction as the sole unified government responsible for the stability phase of Gaza and the entire Palestinian territorial stage. Spain praised the Egyptians for their efforts to promote reconciliation among Palestinian factions.
2.3 The parties agreed to the right of Palestinians to remain on land and refused any attempt to move Palestinians to neighboring countries, and stressed the importance of strengthening collective efforts of the international community to alleviate the suffering of Gaza through increasing humanitarian aid and commitment to alleviate the suffering of Gaza. Given the impact of the war on Gaza, the reconstruction of the strip, the absence of Palestinians discharged from its territory has led to one of the worst human tragedies in modern history. In this regard, they called on international donors to actively participate in the reconstruction conference expected to be held by Egypt.
2.4 Both participants highlighted their commitment to the near-near-external region, which is the support of humanitarian operations in Gaza and the lifeline of millions of Palestinian refugees in Palestine and the wider region. Egypt recognizes Spain’s stable support for the institution and pays tribute to the Spanish President of the UNRWA Advisory Committee in support of UNRWA’s international status and ensures its role in the stability phase.
2.5 Spain recognizes the main humanitarian role played by Egypt and Egypt in the context of war to appreciate Spain’s support for Egypt’s health system, which has translated into donating to Egyptian hospitals to meet the needs of civilians.
2.6 The participants reaffirmed all violence against civilians, while reaffirming their commitment to implementing a two-state solution and, in line with the boundaries of 4 June 1967, advocated independence, sovereignty and continuous Palestinian states alongside Israel in terms of peace and security Become the basis for long-term stability in the region. Egypt commended Spain for viewing the decision of the Palestinian State as an important contribution to regional peace and stability.
2.7 Egypt and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing European-Arab dialogue, especially in the context of a global alliance to implement two-national solutions, and prepared for the United Nations peace conference in New York in June.
3. Lebanon
3.1 Participants are fully committed to helping Lebanon to relieve tensions and achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities. The two participants called on all parties to fully comply with the commitments under the ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the redeployment of the Lebanese armed forces, and urged the international community to support the reconstruction efforts. They also called for the full implementation of resolution 1701 without selectivity, as well as other relevant international resolutions, to restore lasting security and stability in Lebanon and to ensure respect for the integrity, independence and within internationally recognized borders of Lebanon .
3.2 Egypt recognizes Spain’s commitment to stability to Lebanon and the region through uninterrupted participation of Spain in the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) since 2006.
3.3 Participants welcomed the election of Mr. Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon, and appointed Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister, which constitutes the ability to enable Lebanese state institutions to fulfill their roles and fulfill their aspirations. Necessary steps for the people of Lebanon.
4. Syria
4.1 Participants reaffirmed the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive political transition in Syria in agreement with UN Security Council resolution 2254.
4.2 Participants are committed to supporting the Syrian population, especially those in need of humanitarian assistance, and to maintain international efforts to fight terrorism. The two countries reaffirmed the need for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees as defined by UNHCR.
4.3 Egypt and Spain demand that all parties fully respect Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, condemn any violation of international law, and call on all parties to fulfill their obligations, including the full implementation of the resolutions of the relevant Security Committee.
4.4 They stressed the importance of retaining gains in the fight against Daesh, which remains a serious threat to international peace and security. They also stressed that Syria should not provide safe havens for terrorists or terrorist organizations and should not pose any threat to its neighbors or the region.
5. Libya
5.1 Participants welcomed the commitment of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to the unity of the military and security institutions in Libya and emphasized the need for progress on the political and security track, including the full evacuation of all foreign troops and mercenaries.
5.2 Participants reaffirmed the need to have a new unified national administration and hold both presidential and parliamentary elections within the framework of the Libyan-led and Libya-owned political processes.
6. Security in Africa and the Red Sea
6.1 Egypt and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to sustained cooperation in water and food security, highlighting the critical importance of cross-border water cooperation.
6.2 Participants reaffirmed the importance of African stability, that is, in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, both countries are strategically important to both countries.
6.3 Participants agreed to maintain the importance of international navigation safety in the Red Sea, an important channel for global trade, given its direct impact on the Suez Canal and important supply chains.
7. Sudan
7.1 Spain praised Egypt’s efforts to achieve Sudan’s stability. Both sides need to respect the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan and safeguard their national institutions. They also affirmed the importance of Sudan’s politics and comprehensive political processes led and owned by civilians without foreign decrees to achieve the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.
7.2 Egypt and Spain urge donor countries and organizations to fulfill their commitments at the Geneva Conference (June 2023) and the Paris Conference (April 2024) to support Sudan and host neighboring countries that flee from the war. Both sides stressed the need for the burden of bridging the funding gap and the sharing of responsibility, which accounted for 70% of the total commitment.
Issued by Apo Group on behalf of the President of Egypt of the Arab Republic.
