Spain’s King Felipe VI on Tuesday began his first official visit to Egypt, warning that the region is experiencing “tragic and tense circumstances” and stressing that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has become unbearable.

The monarch, accompanied by Queen Letizia, addressed members of the Spanish community in Cairo on Tuesday evening at the start of a four-day visit, according to Egypt’s National Media Authority.

Egypt’s State Information Service said the visit comes at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Spain’s Foreign Minister for the European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, is also part of the delegation.