The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, received his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, on the latter's first bilateral visit to Spain, marking a milestone in the strengthening of the strategic relationship between the two nations.
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The meeting, which aimed to strengthen political dialogue and review the status of bilateral ties, also served to follow up on the agreements reached at the 1st High Level Meeting (RAN) held on July 16 in Nouakchott.
Minister Albares underlined the "great moment" of the bilateral relationship, highlighting the "qualitative leap" that the recent RAN represented. He emphasized that Mauritania is a strategic partner fundamental for both Spain and the European Union, both at bilateral and regional levels.
Both ministers celebrated the "good results" cooperation on migration, which covers both the fight against irregular migration and the development of circular migration.
Expanding Cooperation to Key Sectors
Spain reiterated its commitment to continue deepening cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest. Among them, the energy sector, development cooperation, security, and the promotion of the Spanish language, symbolized by the official inauguration of the Cervantes Institute extension in Nouakchott, led by both ministers, were mentioned.
In the economic and commercial sphere, the Ministers agreed that there is ample room for growth and on the importance of redoubling the momentum that has been achieved with initiatives such as the creation of the Spanish-Mauritanian Business Council.
In the field economic and commercial, it was agreed that there is a wide margin for growthTo strengthen this area, the importance of redoubling the momentum through initiatives such as the creation of the Spanish-Mauritanian Business Council (CAMES) and the Business Forum held during the last RAN was highlighted.
Other items on the agenda included agricultural and fisheries cooperation, delicate situation in the Sahel –where Mauritania plays an essential stabilizing role–, and the prospects for the Palestinian conflict, following the peace agreement in Sharm el Sheikh and subsequent events.
Strengthening the EU-Mauritania Partnership
Albares also highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership between the European Union and Mauritania, expressing Spain's willingness to actively contribute to its strengthening.
In the Mediterranean context and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, the Spanish minister recalled the valuable presence of Mauritania in the Union for the Mediterranean, emphasizing the need to hear their voice in the new phase of Euro-Mediterranean relations, with the preparation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean.
