The relationship between Mauritania and Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant growth in recent years, particularly in the economic and investment sectors, according to Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania Dr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Raqabi. He made these remarks during a reception held at the Saudi Embassy in Nouakchott to celebrate the 96th anniversary of Saudi National Day. The event was attended by Mauritanian officials, including Minister of Justice Mohamed Ould Asweidat and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Ould Ahmmedou.
Dr. Al-Raqabi pointed to a recent visit by a Saudi delegation comprising nearly 100 businessmen and investors, led by the Minister of Investment, as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The visit led to the establishment of a joint business council between the two countries. Furthermore, several important investment agreements were signed in areas such as energy, agriculture, animal husbandry, and infrastructure, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between Mauritania and Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi ambassador highlighted several major development and investment projects undertaken as part of the growing cooperation between the two nations. One notable example is the agreement to develop the "Angakou" electricity production station using gas, with a capacity of up to 230 megawatts. Additionally, Saudi investments in Mauritania are valued at approximately $669 million, including a large-scale agricultural project implemented by the Saudi company "Al-Rif" on an area of nearly 53,000 hectares.
The Saudi Fund for Development has played a crucial role in supporting Mauritania's development efforts, financing over 31 development projects in the country since 1979. One of these projects is the King Salman bin Abdulaziz University Hospital. Moreover, the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Work has implemented numerous humanitarian and medical projects across various regions of Mauritania, including remote areas and villages.
Dr. Al-Raqabi emphasized that the relationship between Mauritania and Saudi Arabia is built on solid foundations of sincere cooperation and mutual respect. The Mauritanian government was represented at the reception by several high-ranking officials, including Minister of Justice Mohamed Ould Asweidat and Minister of Islamic Affairs and Primary Education Ould Ahmed Louly. The event was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of regional and international organizations, and several academic and cultural figures.
The growing economic and investment ties between Mauritania and Saudi Arabia reflect a deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. The Saudi ambassador's remarks underscore the significant progress made in recent years, with several major projects and agreements signed in key sectors. These developments are expected to have a positive impact on Mauritania's economy and development prospects.
The celebrations at the Saudi Embassy in Nouakchott demonstrate the strong bilateral relations between Mauritania and Saudi Arabia. The event provided an opportunity for officials from both countries to engage in dialogue and strengthen ties. With a growing focus on economic cooperation and investment, the relationship between Mauritania and Saudi Arabia is poised to continue its upward trajectory.
Key points
- Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania Dr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Raqabi highlights growing economic and investment ties between the two nations.
- The Saudi Fund for Development has financed over 31 development projects in Mauritania since 1979.
- The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Work has implemented numerous humanitarian and medical projects across various regions of Mauritania.