On December 20, 2024, King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President Mohammed Ould Cheikh Al-Ghazouani of Mauritania met at the Royal Palace in Casablanca, marking a significant event for the stability and development of Northern Africa.
The official royal cabinet communicated this meeting underlining its role within the solid trust and cooperation framework between the two nations. During this pivotal moment, the monarch presented his Atlantic initiative aimed at benefiting the economies of Sahel countries and reinforcing their institutions.
Upon his arrival at the palace, President Al-Ghazouani was greeted with traditional Moroccan hospitality, passing in review of the Royal Guard before his official reception. The meeting was punctuated with the customary offering of dates and milk, illustrating the deep-rooted customs of Morocco.
Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the progress made under their bilateral partnership across various domains. They discussed strategic projects aimed at unifying their nations, particularly emphasizing initiatives like the Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline and Morocco’s mission to provide Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean.
This meeting follows significant political developments, including the recent impromptu visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Mauritania, marking the first visit of any Algerian leader to the country in 37 years. During his addresses, King Mohammed VI has consistently extended his hand to Algeria, striving to mend ties, notwithstanding the tensions originating from Algeria's more aggressive stance toward Morocco.
President Al-Ghazouani's visit is not merely about political alliance, but also holds personal significance concerning his wife's health. Meriem Bint Dah, the first lady of Mauritania, is currently recovering from surgery at the military hospital in Rabat, and the President took this opportunity to check on her health. After her medical procedure, she expressed her gratitude to the Mauritanian people for their solidarity and kind prayers, which significantly uplifted her spirits during her recovery.
"The wife of the Mauritanian president, Meriem Bint Dah, expressed her deep gratitude to the Mauritanian people for their solidarity and sincere prayers following her recent illness," reported by the Mauritanian News Agency.
This visit marks another step toward enhancing the collaboration between Morocco and Mauritania, particularly centered around the ambitious Africa-Atlantic pipeline project. Worth $26 billion, this megastructure aims to transport natural gas from Nigeria through several West African nations to Morocco, extending its benefits to Europe as well. Recent agreements concerning this project were affirmed by the energy and hydrocarbons ministers from the involved countries, indicating its significance for regional integration and natural gas accessibility.
With both leaders' commitment to fostering relations and cooperative initiatives, this meeting sets the tone for increased future collaboration, emphasizing mutual benefits and regional stability. The dialogue at the Royal Palace is expected to lay the groundwork for stronger economic ties and sustained partnerships as both nations navigate the complex geopolitical currents of the Sahel and North Africa.
