Dr. Abdullah Ould Suleiman Ould Cheikh Sidia, Mauritania's Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, attended the opening ceremony of the 11th annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha, Qatar, on September 28, 2026. The meeting is being held under the theme "Infrastructure for Tomorrow: Impact and Innovation." This year's event marks a significant milestone for the bank as it begins its second decade of operations and transitions from a foundation phase to expanding its impact and accelerating sustainable infrastructure investments.
The meeting brings together delegates from member countries, policymakers, business leaders, and heads of international financial institutions to discuss the bank's new directions and mechanisms for bridging the infrastructure financing gap. The agenda includes closed sessions for the board of governors and interactive open sessions to discuss vital issues such as climate financing, digital public infrastructure, attracting private and mixed capital for green financing, and cross-border regional connectivity to build comprehensive resilience.
Mauritania's ministerial participation aims to strengthen the country's position in the international development financing system, showcase promising investment opportunities in Mauritania, and mobilize resources while deepening partnerships with the AIIB and various financial partners. The event provides a platform for Mauritania to engage with the bank and other stakeholders in shaping the future of infrastructure development.
The AIIB was established to address the vast infrastructure needs in Asia and beyond, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly projects. Since its inception, the bank has been working to create a new model for infrastructure development that is more efficient, transparent, and sustainable. The 11th annual meeting is expected to build on the bank's progress and explore new ways to accelerate infrastructure investments.
Dr. Ould Cheikh Sidia's participation in the meeting reflects Mauritania's commitment to engaging with international financial institutions and leveraging their expertise and resources to drive economic growth and development. The minister's presence also underscores the country's interest in exploring new financing options and partnerships to support its infrastructure development plans.
The AIIB has made significant progress since its establishment, with a growing portfolio of projects and a increasing number of member countries. The bank's investments have focused on areas such as energy, transportation, and water and sanitation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. The 11th annual meeting is expected to review the bank's progress and set new directions for its future operations.
The meeting in Doha will also provide an opportunity for Mauritania to engage with other member countries and stakeholders to explore potential partnerships and collaborations in the area of infrastructure development. By participating in the event, Dr. Ould Cheikh Sidia aims to promote Mauritania's interests and attract new investments to support the country's economic growth and development.
Key points
- Mauritania's Economic Minister participates in the 11th annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Doha, Qatar, to strengthen the country's position in the international development financing system.
