Minister Albares discusses migration and fishing with Mauritania's foreign minister

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Decrease in arrivals of canoes and pirogues linked to diplomatic work in Sub‑Saharan Africa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, received his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed Salem Uld Merzug, in Madrid on Saturday. The two leaders addressed a range of bilateral issues, notably migration and fisheries.

“Today in Madrid we confirm the progress of friendship and cooperation between Spain and Mauritania… Strengthened cooperation with results in orderly migration and mobility, saving thousands of lives in the Atlantic. In economic and commercial relations, fishing is at the centre,” Albares wrote on social media.

The discussion also covered matters arising from the First High‑Level Meeting (RAN) held on 16 July 2025, where Spain agreed to grant Mauritania a €50 million credit through the Development Promotion Fund (FONPRODE), managed by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

“With my friend Minister Merzug we have concretised the commitments of our first RAN in 2025,” Albares explained, adding that the Cervantes Institute in Nouakchott is “in action” following its inauguration in July. “Spanish continues to boost our ties.”

At the regional level, Albares emphasized Spain’s commitment to stability in the Sahel and to strengthening EU‑Mauritania cooperation.

“Our joint projects continue, driving a stronger and deeper EU‑Mauritania partnership. Great prospects for work in 2026,” he concluded.