Following the recent visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Mauritania, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani welcomed Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Government of the Canary Islands, in Nouakchott on Thursday.
This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between Spain and Mauritania, particularly regarding bilateral cooperation as Madrid enhances its connections with the African continent.
During the reception at the presidential palace, President El Ghazouani met with Clavijo, who was accompanied by a substantial delegation that included Spanish Ambassador Miriam Alvarez de la Rosa Sanchez and Octavio Acrapalo, Deputy Advisor to the President of the Regional Government.
The discussions provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical ties between the Mauritanian and Spanish peoples while exploring future cooperation prospects between the two nations. Both sides focused on promoting and developing their bilateral relations.
Representing Mauritania at the meeting were several high-ranking officials, including Nany Ould Chrougha, Minister in charge of the Presidency; Sidi Mohamed Ould Jaber, Chargé de Mission at the Presidency; Aissata Daouda Diallo and Mohamed Mahfoudh Brahim Ahmed, both presidential advisors; and Mariem Mint Aouffa, Consul General of Mauritania in the Canary Islands.
The Spanish delegation also featured Luis Padilla, Director General for Africa, and José Manuel Rivero, Master of Ceremonies, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
Clavijo’s visit coincides with Spain’s commitment to enhancing its relationships with African nations. Notably, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent African tour, which commenced on August 27, began in Mauritania before proceeding to Gambia and Senegal.
During his visit to Nouakchott, Sanchez and President El Ghazouani engaged in “fruitful discussions” on matters of mutual interest, particularly focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation.
At a joint press conference, the issue of irregular migration was prominently featured in their discussions. Sanchez emphasized the moral and economic significance of migration for Spain, asserting that it represents “wealth, development, and prosperity.” He underscored the necessity of combating human trafficking networks while advocating for “safe, orderly, and regular” migration.
President El Ghazouani called for facilitating legal migration for Mauritanians to Spain and Europe, proposing initiatives such as promoting circular migration for youth and exempting holders of official passports from Schengen visa requirements.
Sanchez also participated in the launch of the Spain-Mauritania Bilateral Trade Cooperation Committee, an initiative that aims to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries.
“Bilateral trade between Spain and Mauritania continues to grow, with over 3,000 Spanish companies trading with Mauritania. I am confident this initiative will strengthen the ties between our countries,” Sanchez remarked, following his visits to Gambia and Senegal.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA