President of the Republic to Chinese Media Outlets: The Diversity and Breadth of Partnership and Cooperation Reflect the Strength of Mauritania-China Relations
His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, affirmed that the relations between the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the People’s Republic of China, spanning over six decades, are deeply rooted and robust, built on cooperation, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial exchanges. He noted that these relations often reflect significant alignment—and sometimes near-identical positions—on international and regional issues of common interest.
In an interview with major Chinese media outlets on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Mauritanian-Chinese relations, he emphasized that the strength of these ties has contributed to the diversification and expansion of partnership and cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure, fisheries, health, education, energy, industry, transportation, and digital technology, among others. He highlighted that both countries continuously strive to strengthen these relations to serve the aspirations of their friendly peoples.
His Excellency stated that since assuming office in 2019, cooperation between Mauritania and China has witnessed remarkable progress in several areas, bolstered by strategic partnerships and renewed development initiatives aimed at advancing and diversifying the national economy. He cited, for instance, the signing of an economic and technical cooperation agreement in April 2025, valued at 200 million Chinese Yuan (approximately 1.1 billion Mauritanian Ouguiya), dedicated to funding development projects.
He explained that the People’s Republic of China is Mauritania’s primary trading partner, noting that Mauritania seeks to enhance this partnership by attracting Chinese investments through numerous promising opportunities in sectors such as minerals, clean energy, and infrastructure, as well as through tax incentives and Mauritania’s strategic geographic location.
He pointed out that trade exchange, reflecting the strategic commercial partnership between the two nations, has shown increasing dynamism—reaching approximately $2.41 billion in 2024, a 7.59% increase compared to 2023. This enabled Mauritania’s balance of payments to achieve a trade surplus of $330 million, reflecting a relatively balanced economic partnership, significantly driven by China’s acquisition of about 70% of Mauritania’s iron ore exports.
In the interview, His Excellency emphasized that Mauritania, leveraging its strategic location and abundant resources and potential—as well as its strong ties with the People’s Republic of China—has consistently and firmly supported the Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative, one of China’s most ambitious and pioneering projects in recent years, aims to expand and diversify China’s economic relations with countries worldwide, enhance partnerships, promote trade exchanges, and create promising investment opportunities.
He added that cooperation between Mauritania and China extends beyond trade to include vital development sectors such as infrastructure, with active participation by Chinese companies in major projects like the Rosso Bridge connecting Mauritania and Senegal, the Friendship Bridge, various road projects, and the ports of Tanit and N’Diago. Additionally, cooperation spans energy and agriculture, with China contributing to rice cultivation development in Mauritania, directly supporting food security in alignment with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative. He also highlighted the fisheries sector, where several Chinese factories contribute to processing marine products and creating local jobs, as well as the digital technology sector, where Chinese companies are helping modernize mobile and internet networks in Mauritania.
His Excellency clarified that Mauritania is working toward a comprehensive and sustainable energy transition, ensuring a smooth shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. He noted that Mauritania—rich in solar, wind, and green hydrogen resources—encourages investment in renewable energy and strongly supports attracting Chinese-Mauritanian partnerships to facilitate the transfer of advanced Chinese technology in this field, positioning Mauritania at the forefront of the continental energy transition.
He stated that he places great importance on Mauritania’s international image, which has led him to adopt an active and balanced diplomacy based on mutual respect and good neighborliness. This approach contributes effectively to fostering productive and constructive cooperation and promoting regional, continental, and international peace, security, and stability.
Addressing China-Africa relations and China’s role in promoting economic development in African countries, His Excellency noted that the Mauritanian-Chinese partnership is not isolated but part of the broader framework of China-Africa cooperation, which today serves as a leading model for South-South cooperation. This partnership embodies a spirit of integration and openness, supported by effective mechanisms—notably the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)—which, since its establishment in 2000, has proven its ability to drive shared development and build a future based on mutual interests.
He highlighted that the trade volume between China and Africa in 2024 reached approximately $295.6 billion, a 4.8% increase from the previous year, and recalled China’s pledge to provide over 360 billion Chinese Yuan (approximately $51 billion) in new financing and investments to Africa over the next three years.
His Excellency noted that through his meetings with President Xi Jinping, he has witnessed firsthand China’s sincere commitment and relentless efforts to strengthen partnerships with African countries in general, and Mauritania in particular, as well as its firm readiness to support less-developed nations—especially in Africa—in overcoming developmental challenges while maintaining transparent, respectful, and mutually beneficial relations.
He added that Mauritania places utmost importance on enhancing China-Arab relations and is working diligently to contribute to building a robust strategic partnership that strengthens economic cooperation, leverages China’s technological advancements, and fulfills the aspirations of both sides. He noted that China-Arab relations continue to grow and strengthen, built on solid foundations thanks to both sides’ commitment to establishing comprehensive, fruitful, and constructive cooperation that ensures the promotion of shared interests through intensified and diversified trade exchanges.
At the outset of the interview, His Excellency extended, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Mauritanian government and people, heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people for the strong relations and bonds of friendship that have united and continue to unite the two friendly nations.