Mauritanian Ambassador to Senegal: “The Visit of the Senegalese President to Mauritania will Give a real Impetus to our Joint Cooperation”

In an interview with the Mauritanian News Agency (MAP), HE Ambassador of Mauritania to Senegal Ahmedou Ould Ahmedou touched on the meaning and significance of choosing Mauritania as the first foreign travel destination for President Baciro Diomay Faye since his election as President of the Republic of Senegal, and the fraternal ties steeped in history and the relations of friendship, brotherhood, cooperation and exemplary partnerships existing between the two countries. It also highlights the many structures and spaces of cooperation to which the two countries belong, the prospects that the current visit of the Senegalese President will open as well as the harmony that characterizes the relations of their communities in each other.

Al-Chaab: What significance does the choice of Mauritania as the destination for the Senegalese president’s first foreign visit after his election have?

His Excellency Mr. Ahmedou Ould Ahmedou: The selection of our country as the first foreign travel destination for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, since his election as President of the Republic of Senegal, is a decision worthy of appreciation and a clear indication of the ideal relations between our two countries and the will of the new authority to strengthen and develop them, as well as recognition of the pioneering role played by our country on the African and international arenas.

It should also be noted that the President of the Republic was one of the first leaders to contact the new Senegalese President and personally participated in his inauguration, where he met with him, as well as with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

We appreciate this choice made in our country, which will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening good-neighbourly relations between the two brotherly countries.

Al-Chaab: Can you remind the reader of the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the peoples of Mauritania and Senegal?

His Excellency. Mr. Ahmedou Ould Ahmedou: The relations between our two countries are strong and steeped in history and geography, and the intermingling between our citizens, who are linked by all kinds of ties, which constitutes a common richness, is highly appreciated, and plays an important role in achieving rapprochement between our two brotherly peoples.

Al-Chaab: What are the main areas of cooperation between Mauritania and Senegal?

His Excellency. Mr. Ahmedou Ould Ahmedou: The areas of cooperation are rich and diverse and cover all areas of life. Among them, we can mention cooperation in the field of energy, fishing, security, the residence of the citizens of each State on the territory of each other, education, health, transport, agriculture, animal development, reproduction, in a word in all areas.

We can also mention the upcoming operation of the Rosso Bridge and the joint exploitation of gas, which are elements of integration and examples to be followed around the globe.

The two countries also belong to joint organizations, in particular the Senegal River Investment Organization, which is an example of cooperation thanks to which the States bordering the Senegal River benefit and participate in the joint management of the river’s waters.

Al- Chaab : What are the prospects for this cooperation?

His Excellency. Mr. Ahmedou Ould Ahmedou: The prospects for cooperation are excellent and are based on a common vision for the benefit of our two countries under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh EL Ghazouani, and His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye

This visit falls within this framework and will give a real impetus to our joint cooperation based on the principles and values that we share together.

Al-Chaab: What is your assessment of the situation of the Mauritanian community in Senegal, and what are the main activities it is undertaking?

His Excellency. Mr. Ahmed Ould Ahmedou: The Mauritanian community in Senegal is in a very good position and does not face any problems, and the Mauritanian Embassy in Dakar is at its disposal to improve its living conditions as much as possible, a community that has no problems and contributes significantly to the Senegalese economy and the well-being of the Senegalese people.

This community consists of international employees, economic operators, traders, herders and others.