Mauritania seeks closer economic ties with Morocco

Mauritania and Morocco held their 8th High Joint Commission, during which officials from the two countries voiced strong willingness to unlock bilateral cooperation prospects.

The event was co-chaired by the head of the Moroccan government, Aziz Akhannouch, and the Mauritanian Prime Minister, Mohamed Ould Bilal in Rabat Friday.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Akhannouch said ties are poised to be fostered at the political, economic, cultural and social levels.

On the same occasion, the two countries signed thirteen cooperation agreements relating to the agricultural sector, animal health, fisheries, aquaculture, environmental protection, sustainable development, tourism, industry, health, urban planning, housing and investment.

On the sidelines of the session, Moroccan and Mauritanian trade, agriculture, tourism and urban planning ministers held talks on future cooperation areas.

Morocco is Mauritania’s first trading partner in Africa and the fourth globally. Mauritania depends on most of its fresh produce supply on its northern neighbor.

Trade has been fostered after Morocco cleared a border passage that has been often prey to banditry by the Algeria-backed Polisario militias.