Foreign Minister Represents President of Republic at 11th OACPS Summit in Malabo
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, representing His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, participated this Saturday in the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), held in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
In his keynote address, the Minister asserted that South-South cooperation is no longer merely a complementary option, but a strategic lever for structural transformation amidst rapid shifts in the international system and mounting global challenges, particularly in climate and development.
He noted that the OACPS—comprising 79 countries with a combined population exceeding 1.2 billion—possesses vast demographic and economic potential, underpinned by significant natural resources and strategic geographic positioning. However, he emphasized that these assets require optimal utilization through strengthened economic integration and the expansion of intra-regional trade.
The Minister pointed out that the current low levels of trade among member states necessitate concerted efforts to dismantle non-tariff barriers, develop regional value chains, and invest in cross-border infrastructure. He further advocated for supporting digital integration and transitioning political commitments into tangible, high-impact projects.
Addressing climate challenges, the Minister highlighted that OACPS nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change despite their minimal contribution to global emissions. He called for partnerships rooted in climate justice, easier access to concessional financing, and the transfer of clean technologies to bolster adaptation and resilience efforts.
He also urged a strategic focus on developing the blue economy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and investing in renewable energy, citing the significant untapped potential of member states in these sectors.
On the critical issue of financing, he stressed that the heavy debt burden remains a major obstacle to development. He called for comprehensive debt restructuring and relief, alongside the mobilization of domestic resources, strengthened economic governance, and the combatting of illicit financial flows. He underscored that investment in human capital—particularly youth and women—must remain a top priority.
In closing, the Minister emphasized the need for the organization to pivot from an aid-based model toward one grounded in economic sovereignty, integration, and effective solidarity. This shift, he argued, would enhance the OACPS’s capacity to help shape a more balanced and equitable international order.
He reaffirmed Mauritania’s steadfast commitment to working with its partners to ensure the success of the summit and to modernize the organization’s mechanisms in the service of its peoples and sustainable development.