By Asma Mohamed - Reporter
NOUAKCHOTT, (Dawan Africa) – Somalia and Mauritania have signed an agreement establishing a Joint Cooperation Committee, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in politics, trade, investment, education and diplomacy.
The agreement was signed following high-level talks at Mauritania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar (Ali Balcad), and Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug.
The two ministers also signed two memoranda of understanding covering political consultations between the two governments and cooperation in diplomatic training.
According to the two sides, the Joint Cooperation Committee will serve as a permanent institutional mechanism to coordinate, monitor and implement joint programmes and projects across areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the state of bilateral relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in sectors that support the development priorities of both countries.
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Ali Balcad welcomed the outcome of the talks, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to translating the newly signed agreements into concrete programmes and practical cooperation.
For his part, Ould Merzoug said the agreements reflected the shared political commitment of the two countries’ leadership to elevate bilateral relations and establish a structured framework for regular consultation and coordination.
He added that Somalia and Mauritania have significant opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, economic development, culture, education and scientific exchange.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from Mauritania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the Somali delegation accompanying the state minister during his official visit to Nouakchott.