Mauritania/World Bank: The Minister of Economic Affairs, on behalf of the Arab Group, affirms his Support for Fragile States and strengthens his Partnership with the World Bank

The governors of the Arab Group of the World Bank held their annual meeting yesterday, Tuesday, in Washington, D.C., under the chairmanship of the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Mr. Abdallahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya, in the presence of the President of the World Bank Group, Mr. Ajay Banga, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Lemine Ould Dhehbi. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

In his opening speech, the minister, on behalf of the Arab Governors, expressed the Group’s gratitude for Mr. Banga’s leadership and the achievements accomplished during his presidency. He emphasized the importance of deepening the strategic partnership between Arab countries and the World Bank Group to address current economic and social challenges. He noted that the ceasefire in Gaza represents a moment of hope, but it does not conceal the extent of human suffering and the economic repercussions of the conflicts, calling on the World Bank to continue its support for countries affected by the crisis, such as Yemen and Sudan.

The minister also emphasized that job creation remains the cornerstone of promoting human dignity, stability, and inclusive growth, highlighting the importance of the Bank’s efforts to support the private sector. In conclusion, the minister affirmed the commitment of Arab countries to a just and equitable energy transition, taking into account their national specificities, while supporting the use of natural gas and clean technologies. He stressed the importance of accelerating diversity within the World Bank institutions, particularly in leadership positions.

The meeting of the Arab governors and the President of the World Bank provided an opportunity to examine the main economic challenges and opportunities in the region and to explore ways to promote sustainable development and strengthen cooperation to achieve long-term development goals.