During their visit, the Royals will travel to Cairo and Luxor. Photo credit: Frederic Legrand COMEO/Shutterstock
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain began their first state visit to Egypt on Tuesday, September 19, which will continue until Friday, September 19. This marks the first Spanish state visit to Egypt since 2008, when King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía undertook a similar journey. The visit follows an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, extended during his visit to Spain earlier this year, and aims to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
During their stay, the Royals will travel to Cairo and Luxor. In the capital, they are scheduled to meet with Egyptian officials, including President Al Sisi, and participate in a Spain-Egypt business forum. The forum is expected to focus on key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and water management, highlighting areas where Spanish investment and expertise can support Egypt’s development priorities. In Luxor, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will visit Spanish-led archaeological missions, reinforcing the long-standing cultural collaboration between the two countries. Spain has a history of involvement in the preservation and study of Egypt’s ancient sites, and this visit provides an opportunity to showcase ongoing projects and deepen cooperation in heritage and archaeology. The visit also underscores Spain’s interest in promoting investment and tourism in Egypt. By combining political, economic, and cultural agendas, Spanish authorities hope the trip will deliver tangible outcomes that benefit both countries. This includes enhancing bilateral trade, encouraging business opportunities, and supporting Spanish companies operating in Egypt. This visit comes at a sensitive time in the region. Egypt plays a mediating role in conflicts in neighbouring areas, including the ongoing situation in Gaza, and the visit signals Spain’s commitment to supporting dialogue and stability in the Middle East and North Africa. It also highlights Spain’s broader diplomatic strategy of maintaining strong partnerships with key nations in the Arab world.
While in Cairo, the Royals will meet with members of the Spanish expatriate community in Egypt, which numbers around 1,000 citizens. Engaging with the local community reflects the symbolic dimension of state visits and Spain’s commitment to its citizens abroad. The itinerary includes formal meetings, site visits, and discussions with business and cultural leaders, providing a comprehensive programme designed to deepen bilateral relations. The visit aims to consolidate Spain’s position as a strategic partner for Egypt and to reinforce shared interests in areas such as sustainable development, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and renewable energy.
Spain and Egypt have historically maintained close diplomatic relations. The current state visit builds on previous high-level exchanges, including the 2008 visit by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía. Over the years, both countries have cooperated in areas ranging from trade and investment to cultural and educational exchanges. The 2025 visit seeks to revitalise these ties, strengthen mutual understanding, and promote long-term collaboration.
By combining political, economic, and cultural engagements, the visit demonstrates Spain’s continued commitment to fostering international partnerships. It highlights the monarchy’s active role in diplomacy, promoting Spanish interests abroad, and supporting cooperation on shared regional and global challenges.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s visit to Egypt is a milestone in Spanish foreign relations, reinforcing the country’s strategic engagement in the Middle East and North Africa. It underscores Spain’s efforts to enhance international collaboration while supporting economic growth, cultural exchange, and diplomatic dialogue in a key region of the world.
