India and Mauritania Convene First Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott

India and Mauritania recently held their first Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott, discussing a wide range of issues from bilateral, regional, to global issues of mutual interest. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “During the consultations held on March 21, both delegations engaged in constructive discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.”

The discussions covered various aspects of collaboration, including political cooperation, economic partnership, development assistance, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in multilateral forums. India’s delegation was co-chaired by Additional Secretary Sevala Naik Mude, MEA, while Mauritania was represented by Mohammed El Hanchi KETTAB, Ambassador, Director General of Bilateral Cooperation.

India and Mauritania have a history of friendly relations, with India opening its Resident Mission in Mauritania in June 2021 to enhance bilateral ties. The bilateral trade between the two countries has seen a steady growth, reaching US$ 378.24 million during 2022-23, up from US$ 108.91 million in 2021-22.

Both sides have agreed to continue their engagements through institutional mechanisms in the next round of Foreign Office Consultations, which are scheduled to take place in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date. This move reflects the commitment of both countries to further strengthen their bilateral relations and cooperation on various fronts.