Egypt is a cornerstone of regional stability

In a context marked by growing geopolitical challenges and renewed economic opportunities, relations between Egypt and Spain have entered a new and dynamic phase. Recent high-level exchanges between both governments have strengthened political dialogue and expanded cooperation across multiple fields, from trade and investment to culture, education, and heritage preservation.

In this interview with Raia Diplomática, Ambassador Ehab Badawy, Ambassador of Egypt to Spain, reflects on the momentum generated by these visits and the significance of elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. “Undoubtedly, these consecutive high-level visits have helped strengthen bilateral ties on all levels. Besides the political and economic milestones, notably the upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, they paved the way for further cooperation in areas such as culture, education, and heritage preservation,” he explains.

Ambassador Badawy also highlights the symbolic and cultural importance of the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the most ambitious cultural projects in the world, which represents not only a global attraction for visitors but also a source of national pride for the Egyptian people and a powerful showcase of the country’s millenary civilization.

Beyond culture, Ambassador Badawy discusses the expanding opportunities that Egypt offers to international investors, pointing to the country’s strategic geographic position, large domestic market, and ambitious development plans aimed at transforming Egypt into a regional hub for trade, logistics, and energy.

The conversation also addresses Egypt’s role in the evolving global order, including its membership in BRICS, as well as the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the escalating tensions in the Middle East, a region where stability and dialogue remain essential for international security.

During the interview, Ambassador Badawy also expresses his appreciation for being honored with the Raia Diplomática Awards as Best Ambassador accredited in Spain. “It is a recognition that we deeply appreciate and thank Raia Diplomática magazine and the Iberian diplomatic and business community for. It shows that the collective effort of the Embassy’s team is acknowledged and motivates us to continue working constructively to deepen the bilateral relations between Egypt and Spain,” he states.

Through this conversation, Ambassador Badawy offers a comprehensive perspective on the present and future of Egyptian-Spanish relations, while highlighting Egypt’s growing international relevance at a time of profound global transformation.

Ambassador Badawy, first of all, congratulations on receiving the Raia Diplomatica award for “Best Ambassador accredited in Spain. What does this recognition from the Iberian diplomatic and business community mean for you and for Egypt’s diplomatic mission in Spain?

It is a recognition that we deeply appreciate and thank Raia Diplomática and the Iberian diplomatic and business community for. It shows that the collective effort of the Embassy’s team is acknowledged and motivates us to continue working constructively to deepen the bilateral relations between Egypt and Spain.

2025 has been an exceptional year for Spanish-Egyptian relations, marked by President Al-Sisi’s state visit to Spain in February and King Felipe VI’s visit to Egypt around six months later. Beyond the political and economic aspects, how have these summits contributed to strengthening cultural and human dialogue?

Undoubtedly, these consecutive high-level visits have helped strengthen bilateral ties on all levels. Besides the political and economic milestones, notably the upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, they paved the way for further cooperation in areas such as culture, education, and heritage preservation. Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s visit to Egypt had a strong cultural dimension, featuring different cultural events and various visits to historical sites in Cairo and Luxor, which highlighted the importance of the cultural aspect in the Egyptian Spanish relations. A month later, we were also honored by king Felipe VI’s visit to Cairo to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Moreover, there has been a mutual agreement to designate 2028 as the Egyptian-Spanish Cultural Year, which will feature many events, including “Ramses and The Pharaoh’s Gold exhibition” that we are currently working to bring to Spain.

Egypt is a cornerstone of regional stability in the region, thanks to its strong institutions, active diplomacy and effective security measures

A globally anticipated event is the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, beyond its incalculable heritage value, how does Egypt envision the role of this megaproject as a catalyst for a new model of cultural, luxury, and experiential tourism, and what opportunities for collaboration does it see for Spanish companies in its management, museography, services, or promotion?

The GEM, the world’s largest museum dedicated to one civilization, represents a new milestone on the global tourism map that redefines how cultural heritage is experienced. In addition to its exceptional archeological significance, as it displays over 100,000 artifacts, and its sustainable energy-efficient design, it blends the greatness of the past with the spirit of modernity by offering its visitors a unique immersive and educational experience using cutting-edge technologies and interactive storytelling. This masterpiece opens new horizons for collaboration with Spanish companies, offering opportunities for their contribution in various areas. ACCIONA Cultura is a prime example in this regard, placing Spanish innovation at the heart of the GEM experience, through its technical expertise and museographic implementation.

Egypt is undertaking ambitious economic reforms. For a Spanish investor, what are the key arguments you would highlight beyond market size? Specifically, which economic sectors are most receptive of foreign investment?

Beyond its large consumer market, Egypt offers diverse, attractive, and competitive investment opportunities, supported by modern infrastructure, ports and logistics network. The strategic location, together with the Suez Canal, positions Egypt as a key trade hub with preferential access to major markets in Africa, Europe and the Middle East through multiple free trade agreements. Moreover, the Egyptian government has adopted comprehensive economic reforms that have improved stability, streamlined regulations and introduced many attractive incentives for foreign investors, such as the Golden License, which is a single approval that allows an investor to establish, operate and manage a project. The leading investment sectors include industry, agriculture, construction, transport and logistics, communications and information technology, education, healthcare, tourism and energy, especially renewable energy. Egypt also benefits from a young and skilled labor force, which continues to attract major international investors. For example, the Spanish company Konecta recently launched its investments in Egypt, citing the Egyptian qualified labor force among the main reasons for its decision.

Projects like the “Golden Logistics Corridor” and the Suez Canal Economic Zone are key. What opportunities do these zones offer to companies seeking a production and export platform to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe?

The Suez Canal Economic zone is one of the most promising investment locations, aiming to be one of the main regional logistics hubs and export platforms. It comprises four industrial zones and six ports strategically located along the Suez Canal, through which around 20% of international container trade and 10% of seaborne trade pass. The Suez Canal zone offers foreign investors attractive financial incentives, cost competitiveness, world-class services and robust regulatory support. In parallel, Egypt is developing seven integrated logistics corridors to facilitate connectivity between production centers, ports and trade routes. These megaprojects ensure an efficient manufacturing and rapid preferential access to markets in Africa, Middle East and Europe, through several established Free Trade Agreements. As a result, investments will not only operate as industrial bases but also as strategic export and supply chain hubs for regional and global markets.

Tourism is a pillar of cooperation. With the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and new developments, what new tourism narrative does Egypt want to convey to attract Spanish tourists seeking to combine unique heritage with modern, luxury, or nature-based experiences?

Egypt is an extraordinary destination where natural beauty, heritage and modernity come together. Today, Egypt is focusing on offering a complete and diverse tourism experience that blends its rich history with contemporary luxury. Visitors can explore captivating historical landmarks such as the Great Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum and enjoy a refined experience on a Nile cruise between the historic cities of Luxor and Aswan. Beyond its cultural treasures, Egypt offers unmatched diversity from the Red Sea’s iconic destinations of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada to the Mediterranean elegance of the North Coast, and the desert escapes and wellness resorts in Siwa. In this sense, Spanish tourists can enjoy history, culture, relaxation and adventure in one single journey.

What role do you see for Spanish companies in the sector (hotels, management, restaurants, heritage technology) in the development of this new, comprehensive tourism offering, which is partly centered around the Grand Egyptian Museum?

Tourism is a key area of cooperation between Egypt and Spain, based on a long-standing partnership and a mutual commitment to heritage preservation and tourism development. Spanish companies have already been participating in a range of projects in Egypt, such as the contribution of Grupo Tragsa to the Giza Pyramids Visitor Center, the implementation of lighting systems at the Pyramids and other lighting works in Luxor. We look forward to expanding this cooperation by encouraging more Spanish companies to invest and engage in different touristic projects nationwide. As we are seeking to significantly increase tourism to Egypt, we also especially encourage Spanish hotels and hospitality companies to invest in the country and contribute to expanding accommodation capacities to meet the growing demand.

Egypt plays a crucial geopolitical role as a stabilizing power. How does Egypt use this unique position to create a safe and attractive environment for international economic and cultural partners such as Spain?

Egypt is a cornerstone of regional stability in the region, thanks to its strong institutions, active diplomacy and effective security measures. All these factors, alongside continued comprehensive economic reforms and major megaprojects, provide a safe and conducive environment for its partners. Spain is a strategic partner, and Egypt is committed to boosting bilateral relations on all levels, including economic and cultural cooperation.

Egypt’s joining BRICS is a milestone. How does it expect this membership to benefit its economy and cultural projection?

Egypt’s accession to BRICS has been a significant step. Collectively, the bloc countries account for nearly 40% of global GDP (measured by Purchasing Power Parity) and approximately 43-45% of the world’s population, underscoring BRICS’s economic and demographic weight. Egypt’s membership has opened new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation with major emerging markets. It supports Egypt’s efforts to diversify its export destinations and position itself as a regional economic hub. Moreover, Egypt aspires to benefit from the initiatives aimed at using national currencies in trade among member states, as well as access to concessional financing through the New Development Bank. Amid the persistent imbalances in the global financial system, Egypt views cooperation among emerging economies and developing countries as essential.

Following the ongoing military strikes against Iran and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, what is Egypt’s position regarding this escalation? and how do you view the position taken by the Spanish government?

Egypt has reiterated the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent the expansion of the conflict across the region, emphasizing that political solutions, dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward. At the same time, Egypt has condemned attacks that violate the sovereignty and security of Arab states and has called for full respect for the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. We will continue working in close coordination with regional and international partners and stakeholders to bring this escalation to an end.In this regard, we highly value the constructive position of the Government of Spain, which has called for de-escalation, respect for the principles of international law and the UN Charter, and a return to diplomacy and negotiations as the only sustainable path toward peace.