Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez indicated that Spain will launch a new strategy to improve relations with Africa, especially Western Africa and the Sahel, which will be considered priority regions.
ADVERTISEMENTSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that Spain will sign a series of partnership agreements with The Gambia aimed at curbing the surge of migrants arriving to the Canary Islandsfrom West Africa.
"Our countries will sign a memorandum of understanding on circular migration. This new initiative aims to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration that benefits both our countries and our citizens", said Sanchez at a press conference with Gambia's Defence Minister, Sering Modou Njie.
Sánchez's visit to The Gambia is part of his three-day tour of West Africa, during which he hopes to strengthen bilateral relations with Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal.
These three African coastal nations have become the main departure points for migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands, where, according to Spain's interior ministry, more than 22,000 people have arrived since January.
Migration 'not a problem' but involving 'certain problems' to be solved
Sánchez began his tour on Tuesday in Mauritania, where he said Spain would renew cooperation between the two nations’ security forces to combat people smuggling.
“Despite the rhetoric that is growing in Europe, migration is not a problem,” he said in Mauritania, openly recognising the need for migrant workers in Spain's ageing society.
“It is a need that involves certain problems, and for this we must push formulas that allow us to manage the phenomenon of migration in a humane, safe and orderly way, to benefit our respective societies.”
He added that migration is a matter of "moral principles, solidarity and dignity", and therefore does not intend to halt migration altogether, but instead seeks to regulate it.
Sanchez is planning to meet with leaders in Senegal on Thursday.
Among migrants making it to the Canaries are thousands of Malian refugees fleeing violence and instability in the Sahelian nation as well as youth from Senegal, Mauritania and other West African countries who are seeking better job opportunities abroad.
There are also increasing numbers of teenagers and children traveling alone to the Canary Islands, which has overwhelmed the local government responsible for their care.
Over 4,000 Gambians arrived in Europe through the deadly Atlantic route last year according to the UN's migration agency.
Last month, a boat carrying 300 migrants, mostly from Gambia and Senegal, capsized off Mauritania.
More than a dozen died and at least 150 others went missing.