President Bio Holds Talks with Mauritanian Leader on Regional Security and Cooperation

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has held high-level talks with His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on regional security, cooperation, and development.

The two leaders discussed the evolving security situation in the Sahel and West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, climate-related pressures, food insecurity, and population displacement. President Bio stressed the need for coordinated regional responses, sustained dialogue, and stronger cooperation to preserve peace, constitutional order, and social cohesion.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional solidarity and advancing practical solutions for peace, stability, and sustainable development, describing Mauritania as a strategic bridge between the Maghreb, the Sahel, and West Africa. He also noted Mauritania’s experience in combating terrorism and strengthening border security as valuable to regional efforts.

President Bio underscored the importance of deepening cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, saying stronger institutional engagement would help address shared challenges, expand trade and investment, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and advance regional integration.

He further identified fisheries, maritime security, agriculture, trade, mining, renewable energy, education, and capacity building as priority areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation. He also called for stronger efforts to combat illegal fishing and promote the blue economy, while leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In response, President Ghazouani thanked President Bio for the visit and praised his leadership as ECOWAS Chairman, reaffirming Mauritania’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sierra Leone.

President Bio also commended Mauritania’s role within the African Union and called for stronger African unity on peace and security, climate resilience, food security, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and global governance reform.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, strengthen bilateral relations, and advance peace, security, and regional integration across West Africa and the Sahel.