Mauritania's Foreign Minister, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, announced on Friday that the government is developing a more effective national policy for Mauritanian citizens living abroad. The policy is based on direct consultations with diaspora communities and an assessment of their needs and challenges in their host countries. The minister made the statement during the opening of the Mauritanian Diaspora Forum, which brings together representatives from various diaspora communities.
According to Minister Ould Merzoug, the consultations involved meetings with representatives from 23 countries and focused on issues such as consular services, documentation, civil status, residence, integration, social and legal protection, education, and preserving national identity. The government has categorized the results of these consultations and is working with various stakeholders, including government sectors, national institutions, parliament, the private sector, and civil society, to identify priorities and find practical solutions.
The minister highlighted that the consultations revealed the economic, scientific, and professional potential of the diaspora communities, which can be leveraged to support national development. The forum provides an opportunity for networking between skilled individuals, investors, and economic actors from the diaspora, as well as exploring ways to convert initiatives into partnerships and projects. The three-day forum will discuss various topics, including the development of consular services, enhancing social and legal protection, and promoting investment and entrepreneurship.
The forum's agenda also includes discussions on the role of diaspora communities in national development, education, culture, and national identity. Minister Ould Merzoug expressed the government's hope that the forum's discussions will lead to specific, actionable recommendations that include clear priorities and follow-up mechanisms. This, he said, will pave the way for the development of a national policy that responds to Mauritania's unique circumstances and the situation of its diaspora communities.
The Mauritanian government has taken steps to engage with its diaspora communities, recognizing their importance in promoting national development. The country's diaspora is estimated to be significant, with many citizens living in various countries around the world. The government aims to create a policy framework that addresses the needs of these communities and harnesses their potential to contribute to Mauritania's growth and development.
The development of a new policy for diaspora communities is part of Mauritania's efforts to strengthen its relationships with citizens abroad and promote national development. The policy is expected to be comprehensive, addressing various aspects of diaspora life, including education, employment, and social protection. By engaging with its diaspora communities, the government aims to tap into their skills, expertise, and resources to drive economic growth and development.
The Mauritanian Diaspora Forum is a significant initiative that demonstrates the government's commitment to its citizens abroad. The forum provides a platform for diaspora communities to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas, and to engage with government officials and other stakeholders. The outcome of the forum is expected to inform the development of a national policy that supports the well-being and contributions of Mauritanian citizens living abroad.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government is developing a new policy to support its diaspora communities, based on consultations with citizens abroad.
- The policy aims to address various challenges faced by diaspora communities, including consular services, documentation, and social protection.
- The government hopes that the policy will harness the economic, scientific, and professional potential of the diaspora to support national development.
