Nigeria, Mauritania Move to Strengthen Strategic Partnership, Regional Cooperation
Oru Leonard
Nigeria and Mauritania have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation on regional and continental issues, following a high-level diplomatic meeting in Abuja.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, who visited Nigeria as Special Envoy of Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, met with the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
During the meeting held on Friday, June 19, 2026, the Mauritanian envoy conveyed the goodwill and warm greetings of President Ghazouani to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reiterated Mauritania’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between both countries.
Ould Merzoug emphasized the need for closer collaboration among African nations in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, peace and security, and economic growth. He also highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral and multilateral engagements between Nigeria and Mauritania, while seeking Nigeria’s support for Mauritania’s bid for the position of Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Responding, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed welcomed the envoy and his delegation to Abuja, assuring them that President Tinubu would be duly briefed on the message from President Ghazouani, despite being unable to receive the delegation personally due to official commitments.
The Permanent Secretary commended the cordial relations that have existed between both countries over the years and stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation in response to evolving regional and global challenges.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Mauritania in promoting peace, security, stability, economic prosperity and sustainable development across Africa.
Ambassador Ahmed also underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in key areas including trade, economic cooperation, regional integration and development. He assured the Mauritanian delegation that all matters discussed during the meeting, including issues relating to international candidatures, would receive due consideration by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.
The meeting reflects the growing diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Mauritania and underscores both countries’ determination to advance shared interests and strengthen African solidarity on regional and global issues.
