Mauritania, China Ink MoU To Partially Cancel Mauritania’s Debt

On June 29 in Nouakchott, Mr. Abdallahy Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, and Mr. Tang Zhongdong, Chinese Ambassador to Mauritania, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the partial cancellation of Mauritania’s debt.

In his speech, the Minister of Economic Affairs praised the support provided by the People’s Republic of China to Mauritania, noting that the agreement is part of the implementation of the commitment made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s visit to China in September 2024.

He emphasized that China had remained one of Mauritania’s key development partners since the country’s early years of independence. China has financed numerous vital projects in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, youth, sports, transport, and infrastructure, and has also supported efforts to reduce Mauritania’s debt burden.

For his part, the Chinese ambassador stated that the signing of the debt cancellation agreement fulfills China’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He said it reflects China’s determination to honor its commitments and translate agreements into concrete actions that benefit its African partner countries, with Mauritania among the leading beneficiaries.

Mr. Zhongdong added that relations between Mauritania and China represent a successful model of South–South cooperation, based on the principles of mutual respect and shared interests.