Mauritanian, Ivorian Presidents Hold Joint News Conference in Abidjan

His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, and His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, held a joint news conference on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, following President Ghazouani’s friendly and working visit to Côte d’Ivoire.

During the news conference, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Ivorian President for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him, as well as for the time and attention he devoted to him during his visit to Côte d’Ivoire.

He emphasized that relations between Mauritania and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire are distinguished by their depth and strength, based on deeply rooted historical ties, mutual trust, and a convergence of views on many issues of common interest.

Below is the full text of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s statement at the news conference:

“Thank you, Mr. President.

First of all, I would like to thank my brother, His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara, for the quality of the welcome and for the time he devoted to me.

I am here today for a friendship visit, but also for a brotherly visit. I have also come to meet His Excellency the President in the spirit of friendship and brotherhood that unites us.

I wanted to come and visit my brother, His Excellency the President, to express to him directly my appreciation and gratitude for the constant attention, support, and assistance he provides to our country, Mauritania.

Relations between our two countries are privileged. They are based on historical ties, trust, and a convergence of views on many important issues of common interest.

This relationship is particularly important in the current international and regional context, as well as in light of the challenges we all face.

It is therefore only natural that we exchange views, talk about our region, and also consult with one another on the issues and challenges that concern us.

In general, what I take away from this meeting is a message of friendship, brotherhood, and trust.

Once again, I would like to express to my brother, Mr. President, my deep appreciation and gratitude for his support and continued assistance, as well as, of course, my thanks for the warm welcome extended to me and for the quality of our discussions.

Thank you.”

For his part, Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, welcomed his brother and friend, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, expressing his pleasure and honor at receiving him in Côte d’Ivoire.

Below is the text of President Ouattara’s statement:

“Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure and honor to welcome my friend and brother, the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, who has come to visit us and convey his greetings.

We had an excellent discussion on the situation in our two countries, the prospects for cooperation between them, and, above all, the difficulties facing our region.

We are completely aligned on the decisions and prospects, and we will work closely together to move forward.

Thank you.”