Spain and Mauritania boost bilateral relations at the highest political level

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Mauritania is a partner of reference for Spain due to its excellent cooperation in migratory matters and its strategic location, which makes it a key ally in security and the fight against terrorism, as well as being the most important fishing ground for the Spanish fleet outside the EU. Its geographic and emotional proximity to the Canary Islands - particularly Las Palmas - where a large number of Mauritanians have a second home, stands out.

Following the meeting, Spain and Mauritania adopted a Joint Declaration and opened the ratification process of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation.

For Pedro Sánchez, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the importance of Spain's united response to this aggression, together with its partners and allies in the EU and NATO. In this context, the Spanish president highlighted Mauritania's condemnation of "Putin's war", expressed at the United Nations General Assembly.

This violation of international legality and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity "underlines the importance of regional security bodies, most notably the Atlantic Alliance".

In this regard, the president of the Government of Spain highlighted the deepening of collaboration between NATO and Mauritania - the Atlantic Alliance's only partner in the region.

"Mauritania is a fundamental partner for Spain in terms of security and defence, and a point of reference for stability in the Maghreb and Sahel regions," Sánchez stressed, also highlighting the many advances that the African country has made in recent years, especially "for its democratic consolidation".

Migration

The collaboration scheme between Spain and Mauritania in migratory matters continues to be one of the most advanced, "with very positive results".

Pedro Sánchez reiterated Spain's commitment to preventing departures and combating human trafficking. "Spain will continue to do its part. In addition to maintaining our financial support, we will seek new sources of funding at the EU level for new cooperation programmes, such as the Joint Research Team", from Nouakchott.

Spain is also promoting a new Country Partnership Framework with Mauritania to modernise cooperation channels and give priority to global challenges such as migration, but also climate change and sustainable economic development, in line with the traditional relevance of Mauritania for Spanish Cooperation.

Economic cooperation

Pool Moncloa / Borja Puig de la BellacasaPedro Sánchez has underlined Spain's "firm commitment" to economic development and cooperation with Mauritania. Trade relations are intense between the two countries - particularly with the Canary Islands.

Spanish exports to Mauritania have grown by 158% between 2010 and 2019. Mauritania has become an increasingly important trading partner for Spain in Africa, ranking 11th. In the EU, Spain is Mauritania's second largest supplier and largest customer.