Moroccan king's visit to Mauritania set to boost already excellent relations
Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 6/24/2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI's visit Sunday to Nouakchott after the failed coup attempt in Mauritania will boost the already solid relations that the Maghreban states enjoy, says observers in the Mauritanian capital.

Different components of the Mauritanian society, particularly, political leaders, believe that the visit confirms "the confidence and solidarity between Morocco Mauritania" since king Mohammed VI ascended the throne, and evidences Morocco's keenness in promoting relations with its neighboring state.

The visit also comes to build on assets achieved during king Mohammed VI's previous visit to Mauritania in September 2001 and the visit of Mauritanian president, Mu'aweya Wild Taye', to Morocco in April 2000.

According to observers, the visit is highly significant as a token of Morocco's keenness to see Mauritania carry on its distinguished role in maintaining security in the Arab Maghreb Region and restore stability and security in the country.

The solidity of the two states relations was enhanced through several initiatives. In 2000, the two countries' heads of state decided to set up a joint committee to energize the bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

The joint committee decided to create a free trade zone, boost exchanges and suppress visa for the two countries' citizens. On the economic front, several agreements were concluded in fisheries, health, culture and human resources.

In the same vein, Morocco and Mauritania signed in January 2002 eleven cooperation agreements in trade, industry, energy, transport, justice, communication and vocational training.

Eight other accords dealing with interior affairs, tourism, insurance, the youth and sports, culture, health and craftsmanship were signed between the two Maghreban countries last May.

As for investment, the Moroccan phone operator Maroc Telecom bought in March 2001 51 percent of the capital of Mauritel (Mauritanian telecommunications company). Similarly, the Moroccan Mining Research Office purchased 2.35 percent of the Mauritanian National Industry and Mining Company.

The private sectors in the two states are also joining in to establish dynamic cooperation between Morocco and Mauritania and promote trade exchanges.

After the failed coup d'Etat that took place earlier this month, King Mohammed VI was the first foreign leader to call president Mu'aweya Wild Taye' to voice solidarity and support.

Twenty-three Mauritanians who were injured during the incidents received health care in Morocco. The group was brought to the country on board a Moroccan plane that had conveyed a Moroccan medical donation to the Maghreban state.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco extends donation to Mauritanian government   (6/13/2003)
  King Mohammed holds phone talks with Mauritanian president   (6/11/2003)
  Moroccan fm praises similarity of Moroccan-Mauritanian standpoints   (5/9/2003)

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