Nouakchott pledges to review higher tariffs imposed on Morocco’s produce

The issue of increased duties levied on some imported Moroccan agricultural products will be resolved through dialogue and consultation between the two countries, said Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug.

The Mauritanian top diplomat made the remarks during his talks held Monday in Rabat with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita. Salem Ould Merzoug is visiting Morocco, carrying a verbal message from President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to King Mohammed VI.

By raising tariffs, Mauritania affected not only Moroccan exporters and transporters but also Mauritanian consumers who felt the heat with a spike in prices of Moroccan fruits and vegetables in local market.

Noukchott says the new tariffs rates were decided to encourage local agricultural production. “We need to find a solution through consultation,” said Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, stressing that “all issues can be resolved through dialogue and consultation.”

“I conveyed to Mr. Nasser Bourita a verbal message from Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to King Mohammed VI,” said the Mauritanian envoy, explaining that the message is part of consultations between the two countries and the two leaders.

Talks with Bourita focused on latest developments on the Arab, African, Islamic, and international scene, he said, noting that relations between the two countries are based on solid foundations and shared history and are set for a promising future.

For his part, Nasser Bourita hailed the excellent ties existing between the two countries, saying that King Mohammed VI has always granted great importance to strengthening cooperation with Mauritania as the North African Kingdom is Mauritania’s leading commercial and economic partner.

Bourita said he discussed with his Mauritanian peer the 1st ministerial meeting held by four Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger) in Morocco to discuss access to the Atlantic Ocean, a project that will transform the economies of these countries and the entire region.