Egypt and Spain stressed rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians in neighboring countries, underscoring Palestinians’ right to live on their land.
During a joint communique issued Thursday at the end of a visit by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Spain, President Sisi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez underlined the importance of rallying up international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip via boosting humanitarian aid and commitment to reconstructing the enclave without displacing the Palestinians.
Concerning the Euro-Mediterranean relations, the two sides underlined their commitment to supporting the region to enjoy peace, stability and prosperity.
They are also committed to enhancing regional partnership, political dialogue and cooperation in fields of mutual interest, including trade, investment, energy and agriculture.
As regards the Middle East Peace Process, both sides expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and hazards they pose to the entire region.
The two sides said that they welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza as well as the release of hostage and detainees, with Spain emphasizing appreciation of Egypt’s role as a mediator and guarantor of the ceasefire agreement.
The two sides affirmed the necessity of making the ceasefire a permanent one in order to enable the distribution of humanitarian aid and the release of the remaining hostages.
They added that they are committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority in providing essential services in the Gaza Strip and restoring order, in preparation for the reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Spain commended Egyptian efforts to facilitate the reconciliation process between Palestinian factions.
The two sides reaffirmed the right of Palestinians to remain on their land as well as their rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians to neighboring countries.
They stressed the importance of rallying up international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Gaza Strip through boosting humanitarian aid and commitment to the reconstruction of the Strip without any displacement of Palestinians from their land.
Egypt and Spain called on international donors to engage strongly in the reconstruction conference to be hosted by Egypt.
They underline commitment to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in light of its pivotal and irreplaceable role as a main provider of humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip and a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees in Palestine and the region.
Egypt acknowledges Spain’s continued support for the UN relief agency and commends the role of the Spanish Presidency of the UNRWA Advisory Commission in supporting the agency’s international status and ensuring its role in the stabilization phase, the communique read.
Spain acknowledges Egypt’s pivotal role at the humanitarian level, according to the communique.
It further stated that Egypt appreciates Spanish support for the response of the Egyptian health system to the war on Gaza, including the provision of medical supplies to Egyptian hospitals to meet the needs of the suffering civilians.
Egypt and Spain reiterate condemnation of all acts of violence against civilians, emphasizing their commitment to the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the borders of the June, 1967, as a basis for long-term stability in the region.
Egypt hailed Spain’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine as a “key contribution” to realizing peace and regional stability.
According to the communique, Egypt and Spain have reaffirmed commitment to the ongoing Euro-Arab dialogue, particularly within the framework of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution as well as the underway preparations for the UN Peace Conference scheduled for June in New York.
Both sides underscored the importance that the political transition in Syria would be peaceful and comprehensive as per the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.
The two sides reiterated commitment to supporting the Syrian people and backing international efforts to combat terrorism.
Both countries asserted the necessity of setting the stage for the safe return of Syrian refugees as stipulated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Egypt and Spain called on all parties to respect the unity, sovereignty and safety of Syria, condemning any violation of the international law. They also urged all parties to abide by their pledges including the implementation of all related UN Security Countries resolutions.
Both sides stressed that Syria must not be a safe haven for terrorists and terrorist groups.
Syria must not pose any threats to neighboring countries or the region, they added.
Concerning Lebanon, both parties affirmed commitment to supporting defusing tension and reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, according to the communique.
Egypt and Spain called on all parties to fully comply with their obligations under the ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the redeployment of the Lebanese army. They urged the international community to support the reconstruction efforts there.
The two parties also called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 as well as other relevant international resolutions, with a view to restoring durable security and stability in Lebanon and ensuring respecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with its internationally recognized borders.
Egypt appreciates Spain’s commitment to stability in Lebanon and the region through its maintained participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2006, the communique read.
The two sides underscored the importance of the international community’s support for the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon.
They welcomed the election of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the appointment of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, as crucial steps towards enabling Lebanese state establishments to play their role and meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people, the communique stated.
As for Libya, both sides said they are welcoming efforts by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) to unify military and security institutions in Libya.
They asserted the need to achieve progress at both the political and security levels including the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries.
The two sides emphasized the necessity of finding a new, unified executive authority in Libya and holding presidential and parliamentary elections.
Shifting to Africa and security of the Red Sea, Egypt and Spain reiterated commitment to maintaining ongoing cooperation in food and security. They also stressed the importance of cooperation in transboundary water management in accordance with the international law.
The two countries asserted the importance of stability in Africa, particularly the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa.
They agreed on the need of maintaining the safety of international navigation movement in the Red Sea as a vital corridor to global trade with respect to its direct impact on the Suez Canal and vital supply chains.
Additionally, the two sides discussed the situation in Sudan with Spain appreciating the Egyptian efforts to achieve stability in the country.
Both sides asserted the necessity of respecting the unity and safety of Sudan and maintaining the national institutions in the country. They underlined the importance of launching a comprehensive political process without any foreign dictations along with achieving democratic aspirations for the Sudanese people.
The two parties are urging countries and donors to honor their pledges they made at the conferences in Geneva on June, 2023 and in Paris on April, 2024 to support Sudan and neighboring states hosting Sudanese fleeing war back home.
