Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, accompanied by six cabinet ministers, arrived in Mauritania on Wednesday for his third visit to the West African nation within 18 months, underscoring its strategic importance, according to Euractiv.
The trip centred on bolstering cooperation in migration management and regional security, with Sánchez participating in the inaugural plenary session of the High-Level Mauritania-Spain Summit alongside President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in Nouakchott.
Addressing journalists at a joint press conference, Sánchez lauded Mauritania’s “vital role in the region” and explicitly labelled the country a “key partner” for both Spain and the European Union in controlling migratory flows.
This partnership remains crucial despite a 35% reduction in irregular arrivals to Spain via the Atlantic route in 2023. Mauritania persists as the primary departure point for migrants attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, with over 25,000 departures recorded from its shores this year according to Spain’s National Security Report.
Beyond migration, high on Madrid’s agenda was enhancing security collaboration. Officials cited countering terrorism in the volatile Sahel region and dismantling transnational criminal networks operating across West Africa as key priorities for Spain. This focus aligns with broader European concerns about instability spreading northwards.
Concurrently, Spain aims to intensify business, trade, and investment relations with Mauritania. Spanish officials emphasised the goal of promoting “inclusive, sustainable and lasting economic growth” within the African partner nation, viewing economic development as integral to long-term stability and reduced migration pressure.
The summit builds upon agreements finalised last year between Spain and Mauritania, as well as with Gambia and Senegal. These accords are designed to reinforce circular migration schemes, develop additional legal migration pathways, and facilitate deeper cooperation with countries of origin.
