Egypt and Spain have signed the Partnership for Development Agreement for 2025–2030, the first of its kind between the two countries, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening economic relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat stated that the Partnership aims to reinforce the historic ties between the two nations through a renewed and sustainable framework for development cooperation.

She noted that this program marks a global first for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), establishing collaboration with Egypt based on the two countries’ strategic priorities.

Al-Mashat highlighted that the program reflects common challenges, agreed priorities, and proposed action plans in key areas, including inclusive and sustainable economic development, food security, women’s empowerment, climate change mitigation, and water and sanitation.

Implementation will be carried out through a diverse set of mechanisms and tools such as bilateral projects and programs, technical assistance, regional and trilateral cooperation, multilateral engagement, and regional initiatives—building on Egypt’s extensive expertise in these fields.

The Minister emphasized that the partnership is rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Egypt’s Vision 2030, and multiple national initiatives led by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in coordination with other ministries and stakeholders.

 The program will also include regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess progress and define cooperation details over its five-year span.

She explained that collaboration with Spain was developed in coordination with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and other relevant Egyptian ministries, through a process of joint dialogue to identify shared challenges and priorities.

According to Al-Mashat, the outcome reflects a dual approach: first, deepening cooperation in areas where Egypt and Spain face similar challenges—such as climate change and addressing migration from a rights-based perspective; and second, leveraging Spain’s comparative advantages, particularly its long-standing expertise in healthcare and agriculture.

She stressed that this partnership signals the beginning of a new phase built on equality, continuous dialogue, and joint action.

 The shared goals, priorities, and challenges outlined in the strategic document—jointly endorsed by Egyptian authorities and Spanish cooperation—form the guiding framework for the actions and commitments to be undertaken.

Finally, Al-Mashat announced the establishment of a bilateral committee, composed of representatives from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Spanish Embassy in Egypt, to oversee the implementation of the Partnership for Development, in coordination with relevant stakeholders in both countries.