European Union Strengthens Partnership with Mauritania Following Tripartite Meeting
In this handout photo released by La Moncloa on February 8, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (L) meet with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in Nouakchott. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / LA MONCLOA / BORJA PUIG DE LA BELLACASA " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by Borja Puig de la BELLACASA / LA MONCLOA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / LA MONCLOA / BORJA PUIG DE LA BELLACASA " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
At a high-level meeting held in Nouakchott on 8 February 2024, The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould El-Ghazouani, solidified their partnership in energy, infrastructure, and security. The EU delegation also commended Mauritania’s condemnation of “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.
The EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy will propel Mauritania’s green hydrogen potential, backed by France, Germany, and Spain. This initiative aims to stimulate job creation and attract investment, with additional support pledged for key infrastructure projects such as the Nouakchott-Nouadhibou road and a high-voltage line from Nouakchott to Néma.
As the number of people attempting the dangerous Atlantic crossing from West Africa to Europe rises sharply, Mauritania also noted that it was itself increasingly struggling to cope with the growing number of migrants and refugees entering its borders as security in the Sahel region declines.
In addressing security concerns, the EU committed EUR 40 million to bolster Mauritanian forces against terrorism, crack down on people smugglers and deter migrant boats from taking off. President von der Leyen commended Mauritania’s humanitarian efforts in hosting refugees from Mali, promising EUR 210 million for migration management and humanitarian aid.
