An Israeli delegation in Mauritania

President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya of Mauritania on Wednesday received an Israeli delegation representing members of the Knesset led by Naomi Chazan. The Israeli chief of delegation thanked the president of Mauritania for his decision to normalize relations with Israel.

A high-ranking Mauritanian official said that President Taya received the Israeli Knesset members in the presence of the secretary general of the ruling Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS), Ould al-Hassan. Al-Hassan's presence constitutes clear evidence of the determination of the authorities in Mauritania to proceed forward with normalization of relations with Israel.

Chazan also expressed her satisfaction over this visit, which is considered the first of its kind. She said the Israeli delegation will visit for five days the areas of northern Mauritania, where Israel develops its cooperation with Mauritania in the oases.

Mauritania's opposition parties criticized the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel in October 1999.