The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, travels tomorrow, Wednesday, June 26th, to Gambia and Senegal with an agenda where the strengthening of political dialogue, development cooperation, and migration issues will occupy most of his activity during an intense two-day working schedule, which will serve to strengthen bilateral relations.
Albares, who visited Cape Verde last week, will begin this new leg in Gambia, where he will travel on Wednesday, June 26th.
During his stay in Banjul, the minister will hold meetings with the leading Gambian authorities. Albares will have the chance to directly assess the impact of Spanish Cooperation during the Banjul visit to the hotel school project.
A primary objective is to deepen cooperation on migration, especially circular migration that benefits both countries.
Spain is present in Gambia with members of the State's security forces who contribute to the stability of the region.
Senegal, a strategic partner
The second leg of the trip continues in Senegal, a country Albares already visited in December 2023. The minister will arrive in Dakar in the afternoon on Wednesday, June 26th. The following day, he will meet with the authorities of the new Government elected in March. Spain views Senegal as a key, strategic partner for the stability of the entire region, with an important role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During his visit, Albares will be received at the highest level by the authorities of the new Senegalese Government, to whom he will convey Spain's commitment to continue deepening the bilateral agenda.
Spain maintains strong development cooperation in Senegal with an annual value of €27 million. This cooperation is oriented towards priority sectors such as productive agricultural development, access to food, health services, and drinking water and sanitation. Senegal also has the first Cervantes Institute in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Albares will address economic cooperation during working meetings with the Senegalese authorities, including the blue economy, food security, and investment. The visit will discuss circular migration projects that benefit both countries.
Albares will also visit the Marfil detachment as well as the Guardia Civil and National Police forces that work with the Senegalese authorities in the fight against human trafficking networks.