Pedro Sanchez, the head of the Spanish government, began a tour of Africa on Tuesday 27 August, starting with Mauritania and proceeding to Gambia and Senegal.
This visit is part of a “new impetus” given by Spain to its relations with the African continent, with particular emphasis on the management of migratory flows.
In Nouakchott, Sanchez was received by the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
The two leaders had a “fruitful exchange” on issues of common interest and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Their joint press conference focused on the issue of irregular migration. Sanchez stressed the moral and economic importance of migration for Spain, saying that it is ‘synonymous with wealth, development and prosperity’.
However, he stressed the need to combat trafficking networks and promote ‘safe, orderly and regular’ migration.
The president of Mauritania called for the legal migration of Mauritanian citizens to Spain and Europe to be facilitated, proposing in particular the promotion of circular migration for young people and the waiving of Schengen visas for holders of official passports.
The Spanish PM also attended the presentation of the Spanish-Mauritanian Committee for Bilateral Trade Cooperation, ‘an initiative that will undoubtedly play a central role in the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries’.
Bilateral trade between Spain and Mauritania continues to grow.
There are already 3,000 Spanish companies trading with Mauritania.
”I am convinced that this initiative will contribute to strengthening the links between our countries”, said Sanchez, who arrived in The Gambia on Wednesday 28 August to continue his tour of Africa.
After Gambia, the Spanish head of government is expected in Senegal, a West African country also affected by irregular migration.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA