Algerian Radio
Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, affirmed Monday in Algiers that the significant gains achieved in the Algeria-Mauritania partnership over the past three years inspire satisfaction and optimism. He emphasized that the shared political will between the leaders of the two brotherly nations reflects a firm commitment to elevate bilateral relations to the strategic status they deserve.
Speaking at the opening of the Algerian-Mauritanian Follow-up Committee, held in preparation for the 20th session of the High Joint Commission scheduled for Tuesday, Mr. Attaf stated: "The significant gains achieved by our bilateral partnership over the past three years constitute, in their entirety and detail, a source of satisfaction and optimism. However, they simultaneously serve as a catalyst for ambition to transition our bilateral relations toward broader horizons of cooperation, integration, and shared development."
He explained that the ambitions and aspirations of both countries "remain far greater than the current levels and figures, as the shared political will between the leaders of our two brotherly nations expresses a firm commitment to push our bilateral relations toward strategic ranks."
"We convene three full years after the last session of this bilateral mechanism to evaluate the achievements made and rectify the imbalances identified," he added. This path, he noted, was chosen by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his brother, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, as a "prominent hallmark of Algerian-Mauritanian relations and a clear objective for bilateral cooperation."
Promising Figures for a Prosperous Future
Regarding the political and security dimension, the Minister of State noted that the tradition of communication, consultation, and coordination remains a constant feature of bilateral ties, citing the five presidential visits exchanged between the two leaders over the past three years. He also commended the "advanced level" reached in military cooperation and security coordination.
On the economic front, Mr. Attaf expressed satisfaction with the qualitative steps taken to transition the integration project from the planning stage to implementation. He specifically highlighted the Tindouf-Zouerate land road, noting that progress on its first section has reached a significant rate of at least 40%.
In the same context, he praised the progress in completing the Free Trade Zone, which is expected to be inaugurated next summer, following the opening of the two border centers under the direct and joint supervision of the two Presidents.
He further noted that the economic sector is witnessing "increasing momentum," reflected in trade exchanges that recorded a remarkable growth of 48% last year. This has allowed Algeria to maintain its position as Mauritania's most important trading partner in Africa since 2023.
As for the social and human dimension, the Minister of State highlighted the importance of intensifying cooperation in human resources, including higher education, scientific research, vocational training, health, culture, youth, and tourism. He also emphasized the imperative of developing border areas as the primary and direct contact points between the citizens of both countries.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Attaf stated: "All indicators confirm that the political will driving the leaders of our two brotherly countries is unprecedented in its consistency and strength. All figures suggest a bright and promising future for Algerian-Mauritanian relations across various dimensions, which will benefit not only our two countries but our entire region and the African continent."
