Spanish king praises role of Egypt in Middle East

King Felipe VI of Spain asserted that Egypt has a basic role in the Middle East region and North Africa, highlighting its influential presence and impact in the international arena in view of its hosting some prestigious institutions in the Islamic world.

The Spanish monarch remarks were made during a luncheon held in honor of visiting President Abdel Fattah al Sisi at the Palacio de Oriente in Madrid.

He said Egypt has an important reference in its regional context and highly appreciated President Sisi's visit at such critical timing and conditions of several countries in the region.

The monarch also pressed the need for beefing up efforts and international cooperation to enhance chances of peace in the region.

Egypt has occupied a distinguished position in the minds of several world peoples as it has been the cradle of one of the greatest human civilizations, he added.

He said Spain is deeply interested in building comprehensive strategic relations with Egypt, noting that Sisi's visit could contribute to achieving this aim.

The Spanish monarch made it clear that terrorism has become a prime threat to Egypt, Spain and other world countries, mourning the loss of several lives in terror attacks.

He reiterated that Spain stands by Egypt in such critical issue, noting that Cairo has become a main force for stability and balance in the region.

Spain totally backs Sisi's vision of Egypt as a country with promising future, the king said, greeting the Egyptian president on the success of Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC) in which 30 Spanish companies took part.

He pressed the need for promoting the level of economic cooperation between the two countries to be up to the level of the distinguished political relations.

Felipe VI also voiced support for Egypt in beefing up its economy, noting that Cairo backed Spain's nomination for being a member at the UN Security Council in 2015/2016.

He said the two countries have a chance to work on bolstering the values of peace and security in all world countries in view of having consensus on a set of pressing regional issues.

The Spanish monarch also voiced confidence that Egypt could be a basic axis in reaching a solution to the crises of Libya, Syria, Yemen as well as the Palestinian issue.