Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, held high-level talks with María Amparo López, Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade, on the sidelines of the Egypt-Spain Business Forum, held in Cairo with the participation of King Felipe VI of Spain and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
This pivotal meeting underscored the growing strategic partnership between Egypt and Spain, following the historic visit of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Madrid, during which the two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership Framework.
Egypt-Spain Partnership for Economic Development (2025–2030)
Central to the discussions was the launch of the Egypt-Spain Partnership for Economic Development 2025–2030, the first-of-its-kind bilateral cooperation framework between the two nations. Signed during King Felipe VI’s visit to Cairo, the program aims to usher in a new era of comprehensive development across priority sectors including infrastructure, green energy, and private sector engagement.
Focus on Spanish Private Sector and Renewable Energy
Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt’s growing collaboration with the Spanish private sector, particularly in transportation, wastewater management, and renewable energy. Spain has played a crucial role in Egypt’s clean energy transition, with Spanish companies contributing to 95% of Egypt’s wind energy infrastructure, including involvement in the iconic Benban Wind Power Plant.
Spain’s engagement in Egypt’s green transition aligns with both nations’ climate goals and the broader EU-Egypt cooperation strategy.
Leveraging EU Investment Guarantees
The ministers also explored how Egypt can leverage the €1.8 billion investment guarantee package recently offered by the European Union. The funding aims to stimulate private sector-led projects in strategic sectors such as energy, water desalination, and sustainable infrastructure—all areas where Spanish firms are actively involved or seeking to expand.
Decades of Growing Cooperation
Egypt and Spain enjoy a rich history of bilateral cooperation, dating back to a Cultural Cooperation Agreement in 1967, followed by a Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement in 1991 and a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed in 2009.
On the economic front, collaboration formally began in 1977 and was further institutionalized with bilateral agreements in 1998, 2001, and 2008, supporting a broad range of initiatives in healthcare, tourism, transportation, and renewable energy.
More recently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade and industry was signed in February 2025, complementing a 2021 Joint Declaration to strengthen financial and trade ties.
Outlook: A New Strategic Axis in the Mediterranean
As Egypt positions itself as a gateway between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, its relationship with Spain—a key Mediterranean and EU player—is gaining renewed strategic importance. The outcomes of the Egypt-Spain Business Forum mark a turning point in bilateral cooperation, with tangible momentum toward mutual growth, shared innovation, and inclusive development.
The economic vision both countries share is one that embraces green growth, private sector empowerment, and long-term investment in human capital—a blueprint for resilient, future-ready economies on both shores of the Mediterranean.
