The current situation in Sub-Saharan Africa presents significant challenges and opportunities for Spanish foreign policy. Alongside the ongoing problem of poverty, AIDS, and threats to peace and security, the progress of democracy and regional integration dynamics are opening new stages for international collaboration and progress on the African continent.
In this regard, the Spanish Government has agreed to significantly increase the presence and projection of Spain on the continent, based on the principles of effective and active multilateralism, contribution to the eradication of poverty, pacific conflict resolution and prevention, and the promotion of democracy, good government, and human rights.
The Spanish Government is focusing its efforts on the following areas and objectives:
- Politics: both bilaterally (by strengthening our relations with the countries of the region, especially those viewed as high priority countries, such as Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Kenya) and multilaterally, fundamentally through active involvement within the European Union and as a member of the United Nations system. Likewise, Spain is currently developing cooperation programs with various regional organizations, such as the African Union, the ECOWAS, and the IGAD.
- Economy and Trade: by favoring productive trade and investment, and by searching for solutions to the debt problem.
- Development Cooperation: through a substantial increase in the quantity and quality of aid, in line with the stipulations of the 2005-2008 Master Plan for Cooperation currently in force and the Millennium Development Goals
- Culture: though the promotion of the Spanish language and by increasing mutual understanding of Spanish and African culture through programs such as Casa África (Africa House), which will soon open its doors in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands.
- Consulates: by paying special attention to the protection and assistance of Spanish citizens in the region and by increasing collaboration with Sub-Saharan country authorities in order to optimize, control, and channel migratory flow.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Collaboration is supported by Spain's network of diplomats and consulates throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, which currently consists of 16 embassies, and also by the forums and multilateral organizations established throughout the region for this purpose.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Collaboration is supported by Spain's network of diplomats and consulates throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, which currently consists of 16 embassies, and also by the forums and multilateral organizations established throughout the region for this purpose.