Nouakchott / Mohamed El Bekkay / Anadolu

Mauritania and Germany discussed on Monday ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, along with exchanging views on a number of regional issues, most notably the security situation in the Sahel region.

The discussions came at the start of a two-day visit by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to Mauritania, the first by a German foreign minister to the country since Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit in 2006, before he became president of Germany.

During a joint press conference held in Nouakchott with his Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Wadephul said that Mauritania represents an important and reliable partner for Germany in a region facing growing security challenges.

He added that the repercussions of the crisis in the Middle East have extended to the Sahel and West Africa, amid ongoing threats from terrorism, violence, and instability.

Wadephul noted that Mauritania plays an important role in facing challenges in the region, offers a commendable model in managing security issues, and plays a pivotal role in enhancing security and stability at both regional and international levels.

He praised Mauritania's hosting of some 300,000 Malian refugees, despite its limited resources and population, considering that this embodies a 'high humanitarian commitment and a great spirit of solidarity.'

Wadephul affirmed his country's commitment to continue supporting Mauritania's efforts in hosting Malian refugees.

He also explained that Berlin and Nouakchott share a common interest in supporting the stability witnessed in Mauritania, noting Germany's contribution to equipping the Mauritanian coast guard and navy.

For his part, the Mauritanian foreign minister said he held discussions with his German counterpart covering various areas of bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance them.

He explained during the press conference that the discussions included an exchange of views on a number of regional issues, most notably the security situation in the Sahel region, and efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region.

Economic relations between Mauritania and Germany have witnessed an expansion in recent years in the fields of renewable energy and green hydrogen, along with encouraging German investments in energy and infrastructure projects.

The European Union has also strengthened its economic partnership with Mauritania by supporting gas and renewable energy projects, economic diversification programs, and the green transition, in addition to continuing cooperation in the fisheries sector.