Spain’s King sees ties with Egypt moving from potential to reality

Spain’s King Felipe VI said relations with Egypt had reached a “mature and dynamic” stage and were now evolving into concrete projects, in remarks at the Egypt–Spain Business Forum in Cairo on Thursday.

Felipe praised decades of Spanish investment in Egypt, noting that more than 60 Spanish companies are active in sectors ranging from infrastructure to energy. He said the goal now was to convert the partnership’s untapped potential into new investment opportunities, sustainable projects and long-term commercial ties that benefit both economies.

The monarch highlighted Egypt’s megaprojects, including the new administrative capital, the high-speed rail network and water treatment plants, as areas where Spanish firms are already involved. He pointed to tourism, cultural heritage management and digitalisation as sectors with “clear opportunities” for joint ventures.

Felipe underscored Spain’s position as the EU’s fourth-largest economy and a gateway between Europe, Latin America and the Mediterranean — a role he said complemented Egypt’s geographic advantage as a bridge linking Africa, Europe and Asia.

Spanish exports to Egypt reached €1.46 billion in 2024, while imports topped €1.6 billion, figures he described as evidence of trust and scope for further expansion.

The king also called for greater collaboration between public institutions and the private sector, saying long-term commitment and structural reforms were key to attracting investment and ensuring sustainable growth.

Felipe expressed his gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi for hosting a dinner in his and Queen Letizia’s honour at the Pyramids of Giza on Wednesday evening, describing the evening as offering him a new historical perspective that left him proud of Egypt’s past and hopeful about a shared future for the two nations.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly and several Cabinet ministers attended the forum alongside senior Spanish officials and business leaders.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English