17 September 2025, Cairo, Egypt
In a display of diplomatic warmth, historical reverence, and cultural friendship, His Majesty King Felipe VI and Her Majesty Queen Letizia of Spain were graciously hosted by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and First Lady Entissar El Sisi on 17 September 2025. The evening was crowned with a majestic dinner and a nighttime tour of the Giza Pyramids—a moment that fused heritage, statecraft, and the beauty of Egypt under moonlight.
Welcoming Ceremony & Early Evening Gathering
Earlier in the day, formal talks between President El Sisi and King Felipe addressed strengthening economic, cultural, and academic cooperation between Egypt and Spain.
As night fell, the leaders and their spouses moved to the stunning gardens of Mena House Hotel, a venue synonymous with grandeur, history, and a direct and unobstructed view of the Giza Plateau—home to the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The setting was symbolic: blending the grandeur of ancient Egypt with the dignity of modern diplomacy.
Dinner Banquet: Diplomacy with a View
The dinner hosted by President El Sisi and First Lady Entissar El Sisi took place outdoors (or in the garden area) at Mena House, under skies overlooking the illuminated Pyramids of Giza. The mood combined formality and warmth—an opportunity for leaders to strengthen bilateral ties. Economic investment, tourism cooperation, cultural exchange, and archaeological collaboration were among the topics discussed. King Felipe expressed his deep appreciation for the welcome in Egypt and praised the hospitality extended to him, Queen Letizia, and their delegation. President El Sisi, conversely, emphasized the historical depth of Egypt–Spain relations and the potential for future joint ventures in culture, archaeology, education, and tourism.
Night Visit to the Giza Pyramids & the Great Sphinx
Following dinner, the royal entourage was accompanied by President El Sisi and his wife on a guided nocturnal tour of the Giza Pyramids complex, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Great Sphinx.
Commemorative photos marked the occasion—light beams accentuating the silhouettes of the Pyramids against the night sky. Historians or guides provided briefings on the significance of the monuments: the Sphinx as timeless guardian, the Pyramids as marvels of ancient engineering and symbols of Egypt’s civilizational heritage.
Significance & Reflections
Strengthening Bilateral Heritage & Cooperation
This event was more than ceremonial pageantry. It reinforced:
Cultural Diplomacy: By sharing historical places such as the Pyramids, both nations reaffirmed the importance of heritage in modern relations. Tourism and Archaeological Collaboration: Egypt’s tourism sector remains a pillar of its global image. Such state visits spotlight the country’s treasures and open doors for partnership in archaeological research, joint exhibitions, and exchange of expertise. Political & Economic Ties: Through official talks earlier in the day and the symbolism of hosting in such iconic locations, both sides show their commitment to stronger cooperation—economics, trade, and investment.
A Moment of Shared Wonder
For King Felipe and Queen Letizia, the evening offered a chance to experience Egypt’s ancient legacy under a different light—literally. As reports noted, King Felipe had expressed a special wish to see the “sunset (or evening) light in the Pyramids of Giza”, and this state visit delivered on that personal wish.
Did You Know? Highlights & Facts
Mena House Hotel has a long history of hosting world leaders; its terraces and gardens have witnessed many diplomatic moments. The nighttime lighting of the Giza Pyramids transforms their profile—shadows elongate, contours soften, and the ambiance becomes almost ethereal. The Great Sphinx, dating back thousands of years, remains one of the most photographed icons of ancient Egypt—yet seeing it at night offers a quieter, more contemplative experience.
Looking Forward: Legacy & What Comes Next
The state visit is expected to yield tangible outcomes:
Agreements in tourism promotion between Egypt and Spain. Joint cultural, archaeological and academic initiatives. Possible collaborations tied to the Grand Egyptian Museum, which Egypt will open fully shortly—another jewel in its cultural heritage crown.
Conclusion
The evening of 17 September 2025 stands as a vivid chapter in Egypt–Spain relations: where history, diplomacy, and beauty merged under the stars of Giza. When leaders dine with the Pyramids as witnesses and walk among the shadows of ancient giants, it reminds us of heritage’s power to unite, to inspire, and to project forward.
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