CAIRO – 19 February 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to Spain carries significant weight, especially in light of the numerous global crises currently unfolding. These crises, ranging from the situation in Palestine and Gaza to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, are no longer confined to specific regions but have become increasingly widespread.
In this context, Egypt has astutely navigated the shifting landscape of international alliances. Recognizing the evolving nature of global politics, Egypt has proactively forged strategic partnerships as a model alternative to traditional alliances. This approach involves strengthening ties with various international actors based on mutual interests, rather than the old paradigm of benefits in exchange for absolute dependence. This has significantly enhanced Egypt's role both regionally and internationally.
Egypt's partnerships extend across the globe, with a particular focus on Europe. These partnerships encompass both bilateral relations, such as those with Greece and Cyprus that led to the establishment of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, and multilateral engagement with the European Union, which has reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Spain holds a unique position at this juncture, particularly given Madrid's rejection of forced displacement. This stance is not merely rhetorical but has translated into concrete action, exemplified by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government's historic decision to recognize the Palestinian state. This move represents a significant challenge to the Israeli occupation, especially considering Spain's alignment with the Western bloc.
Interestingly, the Spanish Prime Minister chose Egypt, specifically Sinai, as the venue to announce his intention to recognize the Palestinian state. This occurred during a joint press conference with his Belgian counterpart, Alexander De Croo, during their visit to the Rafah crossing to assess humanitarian aid delivery. This underscores Spain's recognition of Egypt's pivotal role in supporting the Palestinian cause and reflects a desire to collaborate towards achieving peace in the region.
President El-Sisi's visit to Spain reflects Egypt's diplomatic strategy of building international consensus around the core principles of the Palestinian issue, namely the two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. This aligns with the international legitimacy and rejects forced displacement, which aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
The joint efforts between Cairo and Madrid on the Palestinian issue open avenues for broader cooperation across various fields. This aligns with Egypt's evolving approach to international relations, shifting away from traditional alliances towards strategic partnerships that prioritize mutual interests.
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