Ivorian and mauritanian leaders strengthen ties amid regional challenges

The President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, welcomed his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, for a 24-hour working visit on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The high-level meeting at the Ivorian presidential palace focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and addressing pressing regional security concerns.

During the closed-door discussions, both leaders explored ways to bolster economic, political, and security partnerships between Abidjan and Nouakchott. The talks also addressed broader challenges facing West Africa, including cross-border threats and regional stability.

Shared vision for west african stability

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Ouattara expressed satisfaction with the productive dialogue, describing his Mauritanian counterpart as an « esteemed friend and brother ». He emphasized the importance of coordinated action to tackle regional issues, stating:

« We held an excellent discussion on the situation in our respective countries, the potential for cooperation, and especially the challenges facing our subregion. Our positions are fully aligned, and we will work closely together to move forward. »

The two leaders highlighted their shared commitment to reinforcing mutual trust and strategic alignment on key regional matters. This consensus, according to President Ouattara, will serve as a foundation for closer collaboration between Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania on matters of mutual interest.

Mauritanian president underscores strong bilateral bonds

President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani echoed his counterpart’s sentiments, underscoring the depth of the relationship between the two nations. He characterized the partnership as built on « friendship, brotherhood », trust, and a shared vision on critical issues affecting the region.

Both presidents reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening existing frameworks while exploring new avenues for collaboration to enhance security, economic growth, and political stability in West Africa.