Mauritanian President meets Maghreban Union chief

President Mouaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya of Mauritania received Monday afternoon the new secretary general of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Lahbib Boulares.

Boulares, who is currently touring the UMA member countries, told reporters he listened to President Taya's wise orientations and realistic viewpoints.

Tunisian Lahbib Boulares was installed as the new secretary general of the Arab Maghreb Union in replacement of Mohamed Amamou, another Tunisian, last January in Algiers during the 19th session of the council of foreign ministers of the UMA member countries (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia).

Boulares, a former minister of defense, of foreign affairs, of information and culture, and a former speaker of the Tunisian parliament, was named to the position at a proposal by the Tunisian President. The Other Maghreban leaders endorsed the proposal.

UMA secretariat general is based in Rabat.