Spain calls for de-escalation, return to diplomacy in Middle East: Ambassador

2026-03-07 - 17:33

Sergio Román Carranza Förster, Spain’s ambassador to Egypt, stressed that Madrid firmly rejects military escalation in the Middle East and is calling for renewed diplomacy, while also highlighting the growing strategic partnership between Spain and Egypt. The ambassador said Spain opposes military actions by the United States and Israel, as well as what he described as “unjustified Iranian attacks on countries in the region.” He also condemned what he called the “brutal repression” carried out by the Iranian regime against its own people. “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,” Carranza Förster said. “War and violence cannot be normalized as a way to resolve conflicts.” He added that Spain consistently supports the international legal order, stressing that the same principles applied in conflicts such as Ukraine, Venezuela, and Greenland should also apply to Iran and Gaza. Carranza Förster emphasized that relations between Egypt and Spain have reached a historic stage. “There is a long and deep friendship linking our two governments and our two peoples,” he said. “The year 2025 marked a historic milestone, as our bilateral relations were elevated to the level of a strategic partnership.” According to the ambassador, 2026 will focus on translating this partnership into concrete results across multiple sectors, as both countries work to deepen cooperation and expand joint initiatives. The ambassador pointed to several areas that reflect the strength of Egyptian-Spanish relations. In foreign policy, Egypt and Spain share similar perspectives on developments in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, emphasizing diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution as the most effective path to regional stability. Economic ties are also expanding steadily. Bilateral trade reached approximately €3.25bn in 2025, while Spanish investments in Egypt have continued to grow, reflecting increasing interest from Spanish companies seeking opportunities in the Egyptian market. Tourism remains another key pillar of cooperation. Around 242,000 Spanish tourists visited Egypt in 2025, and this number is expected to continue rising in the coming years. Cultural exchange also plays an important role in strengthening relations between the two countries. More than 300 Spanish-language specialists currently teach in 24 Egyptian universities, while Spain maintains 14 archaeological missions working across Egypt. Interest in the Spanish language is also growing among Egyptians. In 2025, more than 2,500 Egyptians enrolled in Spanish language courses at the Cervantes Institutes in Cairo and Alexandria. Educational cooperation is expanding as well, with several Spanish universities exploring the possibility of establishing branches in Egypt. In the field of development cooperation, the two countries signed a Sustainable Development Alliance in 2025 focused on social, environmental, and economic transformation. The initiative currently includes 40 active projects worth €25m. Defense cooperation is also advancing, with growing collaboration in training and defense industries. This momentum was highlighted by the recent visit of Spain’s Chief of Defense Staff to Egypt. Carranza Förster concluded by reiterating Spain’s commitment to promoting stability in the region and further strengthening its strategic partnership with Egypt.