Egypt and Spain signed a landmark Development Partnership Agreement for 2025 to 2030 on Thursday in Cairo, marking the first of its kind between the two countries. The signing took place during the state visit of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, coinciding with the Egyptian-Spanish Business Forum. The agreement was formalized by Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Foreign Minister.
Officials said it represents the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation’s first large-scale program with any partner country. The five-year framework identifies priority areas including economic development, food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy and climate action, and gender equality with a focus on women’s empowerment. A joint Egyptian-Spanish committee will oversee implementation and track progress across the sectors to ensure delivery within the agreed timeframe.
The deal builds on the strategic partnership the two countries announced in February 2025. It establishes formal mechanisms for cooperation ranging from bilateral projects and technical assistance to regional and multilateral initiatives. Both sides highlighted that the program is aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The signing ceremony was followed by the Egyptian-Spanish Business Forum in Cairo, attended by senior government officials and business leaders.
Egyptian Spanish Business Forum highlights trade opportunities
Discussions focused on expanding opportunities in energy transition, manufacturing, agriculture and food systems, and water management. Egyptian officials pointed to trade statistics showing that bilateral trade reached 1.5 billion dollars in the first half of 2025, compared with 1.6 billion dollars in the same period of 2024. Exports from Egypt to Spain totaled about 712 million dollars, down from 803 million dollars a year earlier. Imports rose to 802 million dollars from 782 million dollars in the same period of 2024.
Key Egyptian export items to Spain included fertilizers valued at around 105 million dollars, along with ready-made garments, agricultural products, plastics, and mineral fuels and oils. Imports from Spain were dominated by copper and related products, mechanical and electrical machinery, vehicles and tractors, pharmaceuticals, and iron and steel. Official data also showed that Spanish direct investments in Egypt stood at approximately 61.4 million dollars in the first half of fiscal year 2024/2025, compared with 62.2 million dollars a year earlier.
Egypt exports fertilizers garments and agriculture products to Spain
Egyptian investments in Spain during the same period reached 28.9 million dollars, down from 38.1 million dollars. During the business forum, Egypt’s Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly underscored the importance of the royal visit and emphasized the growing scope of cooperation under the strategic partnership. He referenced ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, industrial development, and investments, describing Spain as a key partner in Egypt’s development projects.
The agreement underscores a structured approach to cooperation between Cairo and Madrid, with clearly defined priorities and governance mechanisms to measure results. By codifying the five-year plan, both countries have established a comprehensive framework to expand cooperation across sectors including sustainable development, economic growth, social inclusion, renewable energy, food security, and water management. – By Content Syndication Services.