Spain’s PM visits Mauritania to strengthen migration and security ties

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in Nouakchott this week, with migration high on the agenda. Mauritania remains a key transit point for sub-Saharan migrants trying to reach Europe through Spain.

According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, nearly 64,000 migrants arrived in Spain via irregular routes last year, most landing in the Canary Islands, Al Jazeera reports.

Sánchez emphasized that safe and orderly migration is vital for Spain’s economy, AfricaNews reports. While Spain already has agreements with Mauritania to curb irregular migration, Sánchez’s government is also looking at legal pathways that would enable Mauritanians to work in Spain as guest workers.

“The European Union understands the vital role that Mauritania plays in the region, and Spain will of course continue to work to ensure that this relationship responds satisfactorily to Mauritania’s expectations and demands,” Sánchez said at a joint press conference in Nouakchott.

The leaders also signed agreements on cybersecurity, environmental protection for Mauritania’s national parks, and infrastructure development.

This visit marks Sánchez’s third trip to Mauritania in the past 18 months.