King Mohammed VI receives Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani at the Royal Palace of Casablanca
On December 20, 2024, King Mohammed VI welcomed the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, to the Royal Palace of Casablanca. This meeting is part of the close and fraternal relations between the two countries, symbolizing mutual cooperation and a trusted partnership that has strengthened over time.
A statement from the Royal Cabinet indicates that the two Heads of State praised the positive evolution of their collaboration in various fields, highlighting the strength of the ties between the Moroccan and Mauritanian peoples. They also expressed their shared intention to develop strategic projects aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two neighboring nations and coordinating efforts within the framework of the Royal Initiatives in Africa. Among the major projects discussed was the African-Atlantic pipeline, as well as King Mohammed VI’s initiative to facilitate access for Sahelian states to the Atlantic Ocean via the territory of Western Sahara.
Upon his arrival at the Royal Palace, the Mauritanian president was welcomed with military honors, reviewing a detachment of the Royal Guard. He was then invited to participate in the traditional ceremony of offering milk and dates, a symbolic gesture of welcome and hospitality in Moroccan culture.
During this meeting, the two leaders specifically discussed the strategic project of the pipeline that would connect Nigeria to Morocco via Mauritania, passing through several countries in West Africa. This project, initiated by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2016, aims to transport Nigerian natural gas to Morocco and, potentially, to Europe, via the Maghreb-Europe Pipeline. It represents a key pillar of energy cooperation between the countries in the region and a lever for Africa’s economic development.
The Mauritanian President also expressed his commitment to supporting royal initiatives to promote regional cooperation and strengthen trade and energy exchanges. These projects are expected to contribute to the integration of countries in the region, particularly the Sahel states, and to facilitate their access to the Atlantic, a strategic area for international trade.
This visit marks a turning point in the cooperation between the two nations and is a testament to their desire to build a common future based on concrete projects and sustainable partnerships. The meeting this Friday, both symbolic and strategic, reflects the importance of Mauritania for Morocco in the context of regional geopolitical and economic challenges.