The agreement highlights the growing development of Egyptian-Spanish relations within the framework of the strategic partnership signed in February 2025. It confirms the determination of both countries to support joint development efforts, particularly in priority strategic sectors.
Dr.
Al-Mashat stated that the King’s first visit to Egypt and his meeting with
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi underscore the strength of bilateral ties. She
emphasized that Egyptian-Spanish relations continue to expand with the support
of both leaderships, contributing to joint development and enhancing growth and
employment.
The
Partnership for Development Agreement marks the start of a new phase based on
principles of equality, dialogue, and joint action. It also provides a guiding
framework for joint efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Egypt-Spain Sustainable Development Partnership Program (2025–2030) aims to strengthen historic ties by establishing a renewed and sustainable cooperation framework. Al-Mashat confirmed that the program is the first of its kind worldwide for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), setting a foundation for cooperation between Egypt and Spain on the basis of shared strategic priorities.
The program reflects common challenges, agreed priorities, and proposed action plans in areas such as sustainable economic development, food security, women’s empowerment, climate change, and water and sanitation. Implementation will rely on mechanisms including bilateral projects, technical assistance, regional cooperation, trilateral cooperation, and multilateral initiatives, while drawing on Egypt’s extensive expertise in these fields.
The program was formulated in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, Egypt Vision 2030, and several national initiatives and programs led by the Ministry of Planning and other state institutions. The program also adopts monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure regular assessment of progress and agreement on cooperation details throughout its five-year duration.
Dr. Al-Mashat explained that cooperation with the Spanish side began through coordination with her ministry and a number of relevant Egyptian ministries. This process involved joint dialogue to identify shared challenges and priorities.
The final outcome of this process reflects two main priorities: enhancing cooperation in areas where Egypt and Spain face similar challenges, particularly climate change and migration, and identifying Spain’s comparative advantages in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture.
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation confirmed that a bilateral committee, in coordination with the Spanish Embassy in Cairo, will oversee the implementation of the Partnership for Development Agreement in collaboration with the relevant authorities from both countries.