Overview
- Spain elevated Senegal to strategic partner during a Wednesday luncheon at Madrid’s Royal Palace, making it the first Sub‑Saharan country with that status.
- Felipe VI said only dialogue and cooperation can meet today’s threats, underscoring Spain’s push for a multilateral approach to Africa.
- Pedro Sánchez missed the palace event due to a congressional debate, with a meeting planned Thursday to sign new bilateral accords in areas like water, agriculture, and technical training.
- Spanish officials called Senegal a priority partner for work on security, defense, migration management, human rights, water and sanitation, and scientific and academic exchange.
- Economic links are deepening, with Spanish exports up 25% in 2024 to €477 million, imports at €235 million, about 60 Spanish firms active in Senegal, and roughly 7,700 Spaniards living there.