Mauritania, EU Sign Partnership Agreement
Mauritania signed with a joint delegation from the European Union and the Kingdom of Spain on Thursday in Nouakchott a joint declaration of cooperation, which will constitute an important framework for advancing the strategic partnership between the two parties and a reference for agreements at the bilateral level.
The joint declaration was signed by the Minister of Interior and Decentralization, Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed El Amine, and the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Saleh, and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Niang Mamoudou, Mr. Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Saleh, H.E. Mr. Anyang Mamoudou, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mauritanian Ambassador to the European Union, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Ibrahim Akhilil, H.E. Mr. Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Minister of the Interior of Spain, Ms. Nicole de Moor, Belgian State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, and Ambassador, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Mauritania.
In his speech on the occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Interior and Decentralization explained that the visit of the high-level European delegation to Nouakchott falls within the framework of the growing dynamic that has characterized bilateral relations between Mauritania and the European Union and its member states in the recent period.
He added that these visits enabled the conception and preparation of the joint declaration, signed today as part of the fifth stage in this ongoing dynamic. The declaration serves as a reference document, highlighting the multifaceted partnership encompassing economic, diplomatic, security, and immigration components, all geared towards benefiting Mauritanians and combating illegal immigration and refugees.
The Minister also mentioned bilateral contacts with the Kingdom of Spain to update joint agreements.
He urged the technical team responsible for drafting the road map, which will convene a meeting the day after tomorrow, to implement the provisions of the work plan according to the approved schedule.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to develop a mechanism for follow-up and evaluation and ensure the regularity of bilateral dialogue sessions.
In her speech, the European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs stressed that Mauritania is an important partner of the European Union and a strategic player in the region.
She congratulated Mauritania on its presidency of the African Union, highlighting the significant role it will play in strengthening relations between the African and European Unions, as well as Mauritanian-European relations.
Regarding migration, she emphasized that it is a global challenge and acknowledged Mauritania’s hosting of thousands of refugees, emphasizing the need for cooperation in addressing this issue.