Spain-Mauritania Pact to Curb Migration to Canary Islands

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced agreements with Mauritania to manage migration to the Canary Islands. The ties include expanding circular migration and enhancing security cooperation. Spain will also create a business council and a Cervantes Institute branch in Mauritania to promote culture and investment.

On Tuesday, Spain's prime minister unveiled a series of agreements with Mauritania aimed at halting the spike in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands.

Speaking in Nouakchott alongside Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the expansion of Spain's circular migration program to Mauritanians and the renewal of security cooperation to combat smuggling and trafficking networks.

Highlighting the need for migrant workers in Spain's aging society, Sánchez acknowledged, "Migration is not a problem; it is a need that requires humane, safe, and orderly management." During his three-day West Africa tour, Sánchez aims to strengthen bilateral relations with Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal—key departure points for migrant boats reaching the Canary Islands.

(With inputs from agencies.)