Erdoğan, Mauritanian president discuss trade, defence cooperation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani discussed bilateral ties and regional issues during a phone call on Wednesday, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate. Erdoğan said the two countries could add momentum to their relations by taking concrete steps in several areas, particularly trade, agriculture, fisheries, security, and the defence industry.

Strengthening cooperation

Erdoğan added that Türkiye and Mauritania would continue working in the future to strengthen solidarity on international platforms. The call reflects Ankara’s broader strategy of deepening ties with African nations, particularly in the Sahel region, where Mauritania sits at a strategic crossroads between North and West Africa. Türkiye has increased its diplomatic presence in Africa, with embassies in 44 countries and trade volume exceeding $40 billion annually.

Regional context

Mauritania, a member of the Arab League and the African Union, has cooperated with Türkiye on counter‑terrorism and humanitarian aid. Turkish companies have been active in Mauritanian infrastructure and fisheries sectors. The call comes amid Türkiye’s broader efforts to strengthen economic and security partnerships across Africa, including recent agreements with Niger, Somalia, and Algeria. Ankara has also provided military training and equipment to several Sahel nations.