The Spanish Prime Minister today announced a series of agreements with the West African country of Mauritania to stem the tide of migrants making the perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the Canary Islands, the Associated Press reported, citing BTA.
In a statement in the presence of Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in Nouakchott, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain would expand its rotational migration program for Mauritanians and resume cooperation between the two countries' security forces to combat smuggling networks and human trafficking.
"Despite the rhetoric that is intensifying in Europe, migration is not a problem,”, Sánchez said, openly acknowledging the need for migrant workers in Spain's aging society. "It is a necessity that is linked to certain problems, and therefore we must create formulas that allow us to manage the phenomenon of migration in a humane, safe and organized way, for the benefit of our societies.“
Sanchez is on a three-day tour of West Africa to strengthen bilateral relations with Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal, where most of the migrant boats reaching the Canary Islands depart.
According to the Spanish Foreign Ministry, the archipelago, which is located near the African coast and is used as a springboard for migrants and refugees trying to reach mainland Europe, has received more than 22,000 people who have arrived on its shores since January this way. This is more than twice the number of illegal arrivals for the same period last year.
"Until recently, Spain was also a country of migrants...they sought a better life, like those who take great risks and embark on this dangerous adventure,”, Sanchez said.
Among those reaching the Canary Islands are thousands of refugees from Mali fleeing violence and instability, as well as young people from Senegal, Mauritania and other West African countries seeking better job opportunities abroad.
More and more teenagers and children are also traveling alone to the Canary Islands, putting a strain on the local authorities responsible for their care. Spanish authorities say they are preparing for even more arrivals this fall, when sailing conditions in the deadly Atlantic Ocean between West Africa and the archipelago will be more favorable.
Gazuani, who was re-elected in June, thanked Sanchez for "Spain's constant willingness to develop our country” and to seek regular migration routes for its citizens.