Mauritania and the European Union sign Budget Support Agreement for 4.164 Billion New Ouguiyas
Nouakchott
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh, signed on Thursday in Nouakchott, with the Commissioner for International Partnerships of the European Union, H.E. Mr. Joseph Sekela, a budget support agreement under which the European Union will provide Mauritania with 100,000,000 euros, equivalent to 4,164,000,000 new ouguiyas.
This agreement, which is part of the implementation of the program “For a strong and inclusive partnership with Mauritania”, aims to support integrated, sustainable and inclusive development and promote social cohesion and stability.
In a speech on the occasion, the Minister of Economy and Finance emphasized that the European Union is one of the most important development partners, and that bilateral cooperation is witnessing a steady development, including development cooperation, political dialogue and a trade agreement in the field of fisheries and. In particular, the EU provides valuable support in several areas such as good governance, the financial sector, food security, sustainable agriculture, health and the rule of law.
The agreement is designed to support integrated, sustainable and inclusive development and promote social cohesion and stability by focusing on green economic growth, expanding health coverage and proactively managing migration issues.
He pointed out that the framework for investments in renewable energies and green hydrogen, the development of the national system of vocational and technical training, the promotion of universal health coverage, as well as the strengthening of the capacities of the services involved in managing migration and protecting the fundamental rights of refugees and migrants will be reviewed in this context.
The Minister said that the passage of this first-of-its-kind support through the state budget reflects the level of confidence in the national implementation mechanisms since the introduction of a package of institutional and comprehensive reforms that have enhanced transparency.
For his part, the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships said that this agreement is more than just a financial commitment, it proves that the European Union delivers on its promises quickly and effectively.
He added that this funding will focus on developing green hydrogen as an engine for economic growth and job creation, opening up opportunities for Mauritania and European investors, expanding universal health coverage, ensuring better access to quality healthcare for all, especially women and the most vulnerable groups, and supporting controlled migration management, in accordance with Mauritania’s international commitments.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Vocational Training, HandiCrafts and Trades, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, HE the Ambassador of Mauritania in Brussels, and from the European Union, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Commissioner, the Deputy Director General for Africa, and the Ambassador Head of the EU Delegation in Mauritania.