Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Egypt's First Lady, Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi, welcomed King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, marking the King's inaugural state visit to Egypt. The visit is significant as it follows the recent upgrading of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the welcoming ceremony featured a horse parade, national anthems, an honor guard review, a 21-gun salute, and a commemorative photograph. This was followed by a private meeting between President El-Sisi and King Felipe VI, later expanding to include delegations from both nations.

President El-Sisi expressed the importance of the visit, highlighting its role in strengthening ties since the strategic partnership declaration during his visit to Spain in February 2025. King Felipe VI acknowledged Egypt's regional and international influence and its rich cultural heritage.

Discussions focused on enhancing the economic, investment, tourism, cultural, and educational relations between the two countries. Both leaders emphasized the importance of leveraging current momentum to expand cooperation to benefit the citizens of both nations. Topics like trade exchange, transportation cooperation, and new opportunities in the antiquities sector were also discussed.

The talks included a review of regional and international developments. President El-Sisi praised Spain's support for a comprehensive Middle East peace, particularly its recognition of the State of Palestine and support for the Two-State Solution at the UN General Assembly. King Felipe VI commended Egypt's efforts toward achieving a Gaza Strip ceasefire and its reconstruction initiatives.

Both leaders stressed the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. They reiterated their rejection of actions displacing Palestinians, which threaten regional peace and security.

Additionally, both leaders condemned illegal Israeli practices in the West Bank, including settlement expansions, as violations of international law. They also discussed other international crises, notably the Ukraine conflict, advocating for political solutions respecting state sovereignty.

The visit concluded with an exchange of honors between the leaders and spouses, symbolizing the enduring and strategic relationship between Egypt and Spain. A luncheon banquet followed, during which both President El-Sisi and King Felipe VI delivered speeches emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation.