Israeli delegation in Nouakchott

The government of the president of Mauritania, Mu'aweya Weld al-Taye, continued its reactivation of relations with Israel, as one Israeli delegation started a visit to Nouakchott amid strong security measures.

Mauritania state owned media announced the visit of the Israeli delegation led by the official for the Middle East office at the foreign ministry Shaloum Cohen.

The Israeli delegation discussed with the Mauritania officials, especially the foreign affairs minister Muhammad Weld Bilal, Middle East issues following the death of the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and the plan of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to disengage from Gaza, according to a Mauritanian official.

President Weld al-Taye still maintains full diplomatic relations with Israel despite the anger of the Mauritanian public. Israel has established a hospital for cancer in Nouakchott amid tightened security measures. During the visit, the Israeli delegation will discuss means of exchanging doctors and medical aid.