Prime Minister's Office of Spain

04/09/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Pedro Sánchez underlines sound and intense relations between Spain and Senegal - a key partner in West Africa

The President of the Government highlighted that 'Spain is committed to the continuity and the strengthening of bilateral relations on the issue of migration'. In this regard, Pedro Sánchez stated that Senegal is a 'key partner' in managing the Atlantic route and recalled that 'Senegalese residents in Spain are the main colony of Sub-Saharan Africans, with more than 71,000 residents on the census'.

Accordingly, and as a result of the sound bilateral relations, the two countries issued a joint declaration that contains their interest in collaborating in all areas of common interest to the benefit of the socio-economic development of both countries. Spain and Senegal also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to step up and diversify cooperation on migration, with the aim of designing an effective circular migration system between the two countries. One of the MOUs also sets out a framework for institutional cooperation for the more effective management of migratory flows, focusing on the most vulnerable groups: women, children and people with disabilities.

One example of collaboration on migration is the work and contribution made by the contingent of Guardia Civil and National Police officers deployed in Senegal. During his visit to officers at Dakar Port, Pedro Sánchez stressed 'the importance of the multilateral cooperation work 'being performed together with their Senegalese counterparts in fighting people trafficking, and in achieving orderly, safe and regular migration. The National Police and the Guardia Civil collaborate in air and sea units through one helicopter and two patrol boats, respectively. This cooperation, which began 15 years ago, includes the fight against organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.

In this regard, the official trip by the President of the Government to Senegal concluded with a visit to the Ivory Tactical Air Detachment, which supports several multinational operations in the Sahel and highlights Spain's commitment to peace and security in the region.

Another of the key moments of the trip was the visit by Pedro Sánchez to the Cervantes Institute in Dakar. The new centre - an historic milestone - is the first to open its doors in Sub-Saharan Africa. 'I am very proud to see the growing interest that our language - Spanish - is arousing in Africa. Spanish is increasingly thriving and is one of our most valuable assets around the world', stated Pedro Sánchez. In fact, more than 200,000 people in Senegal are currently studying Spanish.

As a result of this collaboration and the interest in stepping up trade relations, the day began with a business forum involving the participation of Spanish, Senegalese and mixed nationality companies, the CEOE and the Chamber of Commerce of Spain. Senegal, an important partner for Spain, is one of the main destinations for exports to Sub-Saharan Africa. The work of Spanish companies in the country spans such fields as infrastructures, fishing, agro-industry and rural development, construction, mining, tourism, transport and equipment.

In this regard, Pedro Sánchez announced the creation of two lines of credit under the Fund to Promote Development, to finance an irrigation project in the Sahel, and an urban solid waste treatment project, as 'examples of Spain's commitment to the sustainable development of Senegal'.

The tour of Africa that ends on Friday comes as a result of the Focus on Africa 2023 - an action plan by the Government of Spain to achieve a strategic association with the continent and to boost new ties with such key countries as Senegal and Angola.

'Spain is drawing closer to Africa as a friend and a partner. We are working side by side in such areas as peace and security; sustainable development; inclusive and resilient economic growth; institutional aspects; and also orderly, safe and legal mobility', concluded President of the Government Sánchez.

Non official translation