Xabier González
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, received his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, at the Moncloa Palace this Thursday in a meeting that culminated in the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership.
The decision, formalized through a Joint Declaration, makes Senegal the first sub-Saharan African country with which Spain has established this type of strengthened political framework.
Five agreements to reinforce bilateral cooperation
During the visit, both delegations signed five memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in key areas such as fisheries, trade, tourism, culture, and education.
Among the agreements signed, the memorandum on fisheries stands out. It seeks to strengthen a relationship considered strategic by promoting sustainability, research, and improved governance in the sector. The text also includes measures to combat illegal fishing and strengthen Senegal’s control and inspection capabilities.
In the economic sphere, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) has signed an agreement with the Senegalese Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Major Projects (APIX) to foster the exchange of information, the organization of trade missions, and the improvement of the business climate.
Likewise, both countries have agreed to strengthen educational cooperation through joint initiatives and the promotion of Spanish language teaching in Senegal and French language teaching in Spain, as well as to promote collaboration in the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
In the area of tourism, the agreement includes the development of joint projects and the promotion of specialized products such as agritourism and maritime and river cruises.
Circular Migration and Development Cooperation
During the meeting, Sánchez highlighted the results of the circular migration program launched in 2024, which benefited 560 agricultural workers in 2025.
The meeting also reflects the strengthening of development cooperation between the two countries, following the signing this week of the new Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development 2026-2030, endowed with €180 million and aligned with the “Senegal Vision 2050” strategy.
Senegal, a key partner in West Africa
The Spanish government has emphasized Senegal’s priority status as a partner in West Africa, both for its political stability and its role in areas such as security, economic development, and migration management.
Diomaye Faye’s visit, her first official visit to Spain since taking office, thus consolidates a bilateral relationship that is now reaching a new level of political and institutional ambition.