Sergio Román Carranza Förster, Spain’s ambassador to Egypt, stressed Madrid’s rejection of military escalation in the Middle East and its call for renewed diplomacy, while highlighting the growing strategic partnership between Spain and Egypt. He stated that Spain opposes military actions by the United States and Israel, as well as what he described as unjustified Iranian attacks on regional countries. The ambassador also condemned the brutal repression carried out by the Iranian regime against its own people.
Sergio Román Carranza Förster, Spain’s ambassador to Egypt, emphasized that Madrid rejects military escalation in the Middle East and advocates for a return to diplomacy. He stated, “Spain calls for de-escalation, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region, and a return to diplomacy and the negotiating table.” The ambassador added, “War and violence cannot be normalized as a way to resolve conflicts.” He noted that Spain supports the international legal order, applying the same principles to conflicts in Ukraine, Venezuela, and Greenland as to those in Iran and Gaza.
Regarding bilateral relations, the ambassador highlighted that ties between Egypt and Spain have reached a historic stage, elevated to a strategic partnership in 2025. He said, “There is a long and deep friendship linking our two governments and our two peoples.” In 2026, efforts will focus on translating this partnership into concrete results across various sectors.
In foreign policy, Egypt and Spain share views on Mediterranean and Middle East developments, prioritizing diplomacy for regional stability. Economically, bilateral trade reached approximately €3.25bn in 2025, with Spanish investments in Egypt continuing to grow. Tourism saw around 242,000 Spanish visitors to Egypt that year, with numbers expected to rise.
Culturally, more than 300 Spanish-language specialists teach in 24 Egyptian universities, and Spain maintains 14 archaeological missions across the country. In 2025, over 2,500 Egyptians enrolled in Spanish courses at the Cervantes Institutes in Cairo and Alexandria. Several Spanish universities are exploring establishing branches in Egypt.
In development cooperation, the two countries signed a Sustainable Development Alliance in 2025, encompassing 40 active projects worth €25m. Defense ties are advancing through training and industry collaboration, underscored by the recent visit of Spain’s Chief of Defense Staff to Egypt. The ambassador concluded by reaffirming Spain’s commitment to regional stability and deepening its strategic partnership with Egypt.
