Strengthening Economic Ties Between Mauritania and Morocco

The inaugural session of the Mauritanian-Moroccan Parliamentary Economic Forum concluded in Nouakchott with the adoption of the “Nouakchott Declaration,” a roadmap designed to enhance economic integration between the two nations. Over two days, the forum brought together parliamentarians, government officials, private sector leaders, and experts to explore collaborative opportunities.

The declaration recognized the strategic geopolitical positions of Mauritania and Morocco, particularly as gateways between Africa and Europe and as Atlantic coastal nations. It highlighted their potential to establish advanced port infrastructure and maritime transport routes, which could play a key role in boosting trade and investment across Africa and beyond.

Both countries expressed a shared ambition to become a regional production and trade hub by capitalizing on their access to African, European, and American markets. Forum participants emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and neighborly ties uniting their peoples under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, envisioning a future of joint prosperity.

The forum also called for sustainable use of the countries’ vast Atlantic marine resources through collaborative projects that enhance food security, create jobs, and generate foreign exchange. In agriculture and livestock, participants urged joint initiatives to increase productivity and adopt modern, eco-friendly farming practices. Cooperation in fertilizer use, veterinary health, and disease control was also underlined.

Education and training were central themes, with recommendations to boost institutional partnerships, professional skill-building, and knowledge transfer through joint academic programs and research initiatives. Participants also stressed the importance of civil society’s role in promoting solidarity-based and organic farming methods.

In governance and economic administration, the declaration advocated for sharing best practices in management, simplifying investment procedures, and supporting entrepreneurship. It also called for easing the movement of people and goods between the two countries to enhance regional economic cohesion.

The forum, co-chaired by Rachid Talbi El Alami and Mohamed Bamba Ould Meket, marks a strategic step forward in consolidating long-term economic cooperation between Mauritania and Morocco. The Nouakchott Declaration lays the foundation for a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership focused on development and shared growth.