Cairp : Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said his “fruitful and constructive” talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reflected a common vision on means of enhancing bilateral relations in all domains as well as the existence of mutual will to boost co-operation in all fields to serve the interests of both countries.
President Sisi told a press conference that he discussed with Prime Minister Sanchez means of boosting Spanish tourism to various Egyptian destinations particularly Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh and other destinations. He also said that acquainted the prime minister with the strict anti-pandemic precautions applied at these sites.
The President said Spain is a main partner of Egypt, noting cooperation between the two countries through the joint ministerial forum.
The president said they asserted the need to increase trade exchange through giving Egyptian exports the opportunity to enter the Spanish markets.
In addition, President Sisi briefed Sanchez on the latest developments of the Ethiopia’s dam and stressed Egypt’s unwavering position, to preserve the country’s water security, at present and in the future. He also underlined the importance of concluding a comprehensive, just and legally binding agreement between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on filling and operating the dam.
President Sisi said that Sanchez’s visit reflected mutual commitment to further advance bilateral ties, particularly after the momentum generated by President Sisi’s visit to Spain in 2015, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi said.
The president stressed Egypt’s keenness to continue close coordination between the two countries, as well as to boost bilateral ties in all fields, with focus on economy and trade, for the good of the people in both countries.
For his part, the Spanish prime minister voiced appreciation for the warm welcome he received in Egypt, and underlined the deeply-rooted friendship and historical ties between the two countries, Ambassador Radi said.
Sanchez expressed Spain’s aspiration to promote bilateral co-operation in all fields. He lauded Egypt’s pivotal role in achieving security and stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin. He also referred to the Egypt’s pivotal role under President Sisi in combating illegal migration across the Mediterranean, in addition to countering terrorism and extremist ideology, disseminating a culture of tolerance, co-existence and respect for freedom of faith, Radi said.
They also agreed to boost co-operation in infrastructure development, energy, transport, tourism, water processing, and health care.
According to Radi, President Sisi voiced gratitude to Spain for donating Egypt four million anti-Covid vaccine doses.
They also referred to the launch of the Egyptian Spanish Business Council, during the visit, with the aim of strengthening economic, trade and investment ties between the two countries, to broader prospects.
President Sisi reviewed During the meetingEgypt’s efforts to achieve development via various initiatives and mega projects. He also voiced hopes for Spain’s engagement in the priorities of development plans in Egypt in all fields.
The president called for more efforts to double Spanish investments in Egypt, and to boost economic co-operation in light of the reforms implemented by Egypt over the past few years to create a favourable investment and business climate.
For his part, the Spanish prime Minister said Spain supports Egypt’s ambitious moves to promote national economy and achieve comprehensive development, through investments and the transfer of expertise and technology, Spokesman Radi said.
The two sides also addressed the impacts of illegal migration, and stressed the importance of dealing with such issues from a comprehensive view that includes dealing with the political, social and economic roots of the rising phenomenon.
In the meantime, the two sides discussed regional issues of mutual concern with focus on Libya. The Spanish prime Minister highlighted Egypt’s sincere efforts to handle the various dimensions of the issue under wise leadership of President Sisi.
