On the occasion of the release of the Spanish translation of "Witness to War and Peace", authored by Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the Arab House, affiliated with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and headed by Ambassador Irene Lozano, organised a launch and signing ceremony on 12 September in Madrid. The event was attended by a distinguished group of ambassadors accredited to Spain, alongside prominent journalists, media professionals, and academics with an interest in Arab affairs.
During the event, Mr. Aboul Gheit reflected on the circumstances surrounding the writing of the book, particularly during his tenure as Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2011. He delved into the philosophy and key principles guiding Egyptian foreign policy during that period, highlighting the immense pressures that Egypt faced during such a critical stage in its history. He also reviewed Egypt’s relationships with Arab countries and major global powers, offering insight into the delicate diplomatic balance of the time.
A central theme of Aboul Gheit’s speech was the Palestinian cause, which he described as the most significant and enduring aspect of his diplomatic career. He referenced another of his works, in which he detailed his personal experiences during the wars and peace negotiations between Egypt and Israel.
Aboul Gheit stressed that the ongoing denial of the Palestinians' natural right to independence and the establishment of a sovereign state has been—and continues to be—a fundamental cause of instability in the region. He expressed his deep appreciation to all the nations that have recognised the State of Palestine, with special mention of Spain, which was hosting an Arab-European meeting under the theme "Implementing the Two-State Solution." He underscored that broadening the scope of international recognition for Palestine represents a crucial step towards its realisation as a sovereign state. In this context, he urged countries that have yet to recognise Palestine to make this politically and morally correct decision, asserting that doing so aligns with being on the right side of history.
