Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad of Mauritania Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug

On November 9, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad of Mauritania Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi.

The discussion focused on a range of current issues concerning the further strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Mauritania. The parties reaffirmed Moscow’s and Nouakchott’s commitment to enhanced coordination in foreign policy, particularly in light of Mauritania’s current chairmanship of the African Union. They highlighted the importance of resolving existing conflicts on the continent, particularly in the Sahara-Sahel region, through political and diplomatic means, grounded in the universally recognised principles of international law. Special emphasis was placed on the goal of achieving a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.

The ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communications, and Parliamentary Relations of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.