In a landmark diplomatic and economic milestone, Egypt and Spain have signed their first-ever Development Partnership Agreement (2025–2030), signaling a new era of strategic cooperation focused on sustainable development, green transformation, food security, and inclusive growth.
The agreement was signed during the historic visit of King Felipe VI of Spain to Cairo, his first official trip to Egypt as monarch. The signing ceremony took place during the Egypt-Spain Business Forum, with Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, representing their respective governments.
A Strategic Leap in Bilateral Relations
The Development Partnership Agreement (2025–2030) is the first of its kind between Egypt and Spain, reflecting both countries’ commitment to deepening economic cooperation and advancing shared development goals. It also builds upon the strategic partnership framework signed earlier in February 2025, and represents a tangible shift from traditional diplomacy to results-driven, development-oriented collaboration.
“This agreement lays the foundation for a sustainable, strategic partnership between our two nations,” said Dr. Al-Mashat. “The historic visit of His Majesty King Felipe VI and his meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi mark a pivotal moment in Egypt-Spain relations, underscoring our shared vision for inclusive growth, economic resilience, and long-term cooperation.”
Key Areas of Focus: Climate, Food Security, Gender, and Water
The agreement outlines comprehensive collaboration across priority sectors, including:
- Climate action and green transition
- Economic development and job creation
- Food security and agricultural innovation
- Women’s empowerment and gender inclusion
- Water resource management and rural development
Importantly, the agreement also expands the scope of joint efforts to include regional development programs and trilateral cooperation initiatives, leveraging Egypt’s growing role as a regional development partner in Africa and the Middle East.
Governance and Implementation Framework
To ensure the agreement’s effectiveness, both countries will establish a bilateral coordination committee, co-chaired by Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Spanish government. The committee will monitor progress, align strategic priorities, and coordinate the execution of development programs under the partnership.
A Visit That Signals Diplomatic Depth and Strategic Intent
King Felipe VI’s visit to Egypt is widely seen as a milestone in Mediterranean diplomacy, underscoring Spain’s growing interest in the MENA region and reaffirming Egypt’s position as a pivotal partner in promoting stability, sustainability, and regional integration.
The royal visit included a bilateral summit between King Felipe VI and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as engagements with Egyptian and Spanish business leaders, civil society organizations, and development stakeholders.
Both governments emphasized that this agreement reflects not only a political alignment but a shared responsibility toward global development challenges, from climate change to economic inequality.
With the agreement now in force, Egypt and Spain are poised to launch a series of joint projects and capacity-building programs under the 2025–2030 framework, with a focus on long-term impact, regional cooperation, and innovation-led development.
