Sisi arrives in Riyadh from Spain
Cairo, Madrid call for addressing regional, international challenges
At an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman, the leaders of Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Jordan will meet in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, Friday .
The meeting will mainly focus on common Arab action and decisions due to be taken during the emergency Arab summit, slated to be held in Cairo on March 4.
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi arrived in Riyadh yesterday from Spain where he held a series of high-level meetings, including with King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
The Egyptian leader also held meetings with a host of Spanish investors.
Egypt and Spain also signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit, covering various fields of interest for the two countries.
Cairo and Madrid also elevated their relations to a Full Strategic Partnership.
In a joint communiqué, the two countries highlighted agreement on key regional and international issues.
Recognizing the Mediterranean’s strategic importance, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity.
They pledged to strengthen regional partnerships, enhance political dialogue, and co-operate in sectors, such as trade, energy, security, and curbing illegal migration.
The two states also expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and welcomed the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Egypt’s mediation efforts.
Spain, meanwhile, commended Egypt’s role in reconciliation efforts among Palestinian factions.
Together with Egypt, it called for strong international support for Gaza’s reconstruction and early recovery.
Egypt and Spain also reiterated their support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and international legitimacy resolutions, according to the two countries’ joint communiqué.
They highlighted Spain’s recognition of the state of Palestine, describing this recognition as a step toward lasting peace in the region.
Cairo and Madrid also stressed the importance of reducing tensions in Lebanon and achieving a lasting ceasefire.
They called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and international support for Lebanon’s stability and reconstruction.
The two countries reiterated, at the same time, the need for a peaceful political transition in Syria, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
They also expressed commitment to supporting humanitarian aid efforts, counterterrorism initiatives, and the safe return of Syrian refugees to their country.
The two countries also welcomed progress in unifying Libya’s military and security institutions through the 5+5 Joint Military Commission.
They emphasized the need for the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya and called for the establishment of a unified executive authority to oversee simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.
Egypt and Spain also highlighted the importance of co-operation on food and water security, stressing adherence to international law in cross-border water management.
On Sudan, the two countries called for an inclusive political process led by Sudanese stakeholders.
They also called on international donors to fulfill pledges made at the Geneva and Paris conferences to address funding shortfalls in this African country.
