Madrid: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty emphasized that there is no military solution to the crisis in the Middle East. Speaking at a joint press conference with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Abdelatty expressed hope for the swift resumption of direct negotiations between Iran and the United States. He condemned what he described as unjustified attacks on Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the foreign minister highlighted the significance of his visit to Spain, reflecting the deepening relations between Cairo and Madrid, which have seen unprecedented development over the past year. Abdelatty referenced President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s important visit to Spain, during which bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership.
Abdelatty also noted King Felipe VI’s visit to Egypt in September, coinciding with a joint business forum and his attendance at the inauguration ceremony of the
Grand Egyptian Museum on November 1, 2025, at President El-Sisi’s invitation. These visits, he said, underscore the close and longstanding ties between the two countries.
He further praised the role of Spanish companies in supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030, emphasizing Egypt’s aim to attract more Spanish investments. The signing of the Egypt-Spain Partnership for Sustainable Development Program 2025-2030 was welcomed, highlighting its potential to strengthen development cooperation.
Abdelatty and Albares agreed on the importance of boosting trade cooperation and continuing efforts to elevate bilateral relations, while underscoring the need for ensuring freedom of navigation. Abdelatty also lauded Spanish archaeological missions in Egypt, expressing hopes for expanded activities across various archaeological sites.
Addressing the Middle East conflict, Abdelatty emphasized that a just and lasting settlement to the Palestinian cause is crucial for regional security and stability. He stressed that such a solution
must guarantee the Palestinian people’s aspirations, including self-determination and statehood along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
Condemning Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank, Abdelatty highlighted the importance of implementing the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan and advancing to the second phase, which includes disarmament and Israeli withdrawal.
On Sudan, Abdelatty called for a humanitarian truce lasting three to six months to facilitate aid delivery, paving the way for a sustainable ceasefire and a comprehensive political process. He stressed the need to halt arms smuggling to illegitimate entities, urging neighboring countries to stop weapon flows into Sudan.
Finally, Abdelatty acknowledged Spain’s strategy toward Africa and its role in supporting stability and development across the continent, indicating Egypt and Spain’s collaboration to promote stability and development in several African countries.