Opinion | Egypt–Spain Relations: A Strategic Partnership Strengthened by Madrid’s Support for Gaza

Hatem Sadek
6 Min Read

From the very moment I set foot in the streets of Madrid recently, it was clear to me that relations between Egypt and Spain are passing through an exceptional moment—one in which economics intertwines with a political stance rooted in popular conscience. The visit of King Felipe VI to Cairo in September 2025, accompanied by the signing of a Development Partnership Agreement for the period 2025–2030, was not mere protocol. Rather, it crowned a trajectory that had been gradually taking shape over the years, elevating cooperation between the two countries from numbers and transactions to a partnership of genuine strategic depth.

What struck me most, however, was that this relationship is not confined to official chambers; its roots stretch into Spain’s unequivocal position on the Palestinian cause, particularly in Gaza. In Madrid I saw, with my own eyes, banners and posters denouncing Israeli aggression—plastered in metro stations and across city squares—bearing slogans such as “No to Genocide in Gaza” and “Free Palestine,” all left untouched by the authorities. This was no passing scene but rather a reflection of a coherent domestic and foreign policy—one that respects freedom of expression while substantively reinforcing Egypt’s mediating role in the region.

Over recent years, I have followed how Egyptian–Spanish relations have ascended to new heights, particularly after their elevation to a “strategic partnership” in February 2023 following President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s visit to Madrid. The figures alone attest to this development: trade volume exceeded €3bn in 2023 and remained close to that level in 2024, with particular emphasis on renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism. The recent royal visit yielded a Sustainable Development Agreement focused on education, healthcare, climate action, and infrastructure investments—supervised by a joint committee overseeing implementation step by step. As King Felipe himself put it: “We have moved from potential to reality.”

Dr. Hatem Sadek
Dr. Hatem Sadek

Politically, it became evident to me that this partnership lends real momentum to Cairo’s efforts to stabilize the region, especially amid the escalating Gaza crisis. I listened closely as Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares affirmed that relations are “extremely strong,” while calling for a ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state—positions perfectly aligned with Egypt’s vision.

As I wandered through Madrid’s streets and followed local news broadcasts, I felt that Spain was no longer just another European state maintaining neutrality. It had become a spearhead in defending Palestinian rights. In May 2024, Madrid—alongside Ireland and Norway—recognized the State of Palestine, a move that reverberated across Europe and further isolated Israel. This was not confined to rhetoric; it was reinforced by tangible actions, including support for the Arab League’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan in March 2025 and enhanced EU involvement at border crossings.

September 2025 revealed an even bolder stance: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a series of measures against the aggression, including a permanent ban on arms exports to Israel and calls for its exclusion from international sporting events. These policies angered Tel Aviv, but I witnessed how they were enthusiastically embraced by the Spanish public, as evident in the September 2024 general strike and in protests that disrupted the finale of the Vuelta cycling race, where pro-Palestine banners covered building façades.

The metro scene was more than an urban backdrop—it was a living message of solidarity. During my commutes, I stood before massive posters declaring “No to Genocide in Gaza” and photographed smaller stickers adorning the tunnel walls. I was reminded of the protests in San Sebastián in March 2024, when hundreds of demonstrators staged a sit-in before a huge banner commemorating Gaza’s victims, as well as the May marches in Madrid, where placards accused Israel of committing “genocide.” To me, this reflected a delicate balance between Spanish democracy and popular pressure, one that pushed the government toward bolder positions than other European states that had restricted solidarity campaigns.

From my perspective as a witness to these transformations, I can affirm that Egyptian–Spanish relations represent more than economic cooperation; they constitute a space where human solidarity converges with strategic vision. Madrid’s stance on Gaza—from recognizing Palestinian statehood to safeguarding freedom of expression—broadens the horizons of this partnership and paves the way for deeper cooperation in mediation and reconstruction, complementing Egypt’s ongoing efforts to anchor regional stability. And although such policies inevitably stir tensions with Israel, Spain’s insistence on its pioneering role provides a guarantee of a partnership that may contribute to building a fairer, more sustainable peace in the Middle East—where solidarity becomes a tangible reality on the streets of both Madrid and Cairo alike.

 

Dr. Hatem Sadek – Professor at Helwan University

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