UAE announces $2b fund for development projects in Mauritania

The UAE announced on Sunday the allocation of $2 billion to fund investment and development projects, as well as a soft loan for Mauritania.

The move follows the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, further bolstering relations between the UAE and Mauritania.

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and Mohamed Ould Ghazouani pose for a photograph in Abu Dhabi. WAM

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, held talks, as part of the president's official state visit to the UAE.

During the meeting, held at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, the two sides discussed current ties between the UAE and Mauritania, and means to advance them across multiple sectors to serve the interests of the two countries, and their peoples.

Sheikh Mohamed and Ghazouani also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Earlier during the day, Sheikh Mohamed received President Ghazouani.

UAE and Mauritania officials after the signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi. WAM

The Mauritanian president was accorded an official reception ceremony upon arrival where the Mauritania national anthem was played and 21-artillery rounds fired. A group of honour guards lined up in reception to greet the distinguished guest.

Ghazouani exchanged greetings with Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials who welcomed him to the UAE. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed greeted the Mauritanian President's accompanying delegation.

Mauritanian president visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

President Ghazouani has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Mohamed Ould Ghazouani greets school children during an official visit reception at Qasr Al Watan. WAM

The Mauritanian president, who was accompanied by DrYousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, and Hamad Ghanim Al Mehairi, UAE Ambassador to Mauritania, visited the tomb of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, where he recalled his rich legacy and wise vision for peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among peoples of the world.

School children participate during official reception, hosted for Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania (not shown), at Qasr Al Watan. WAM

Ghazouani and his accompanying delegation were also briefed on the mosque’s noble message that promotes coexistence, tolerance, openness to other cultures, and the true essence of Islam.

At the end of the visit, Dr Al Obaidli presented the Mauritanian head of state with a copy of two of the Centre’s distinctive publications titled "Spaces of Light" that showcases the winning photographs in "Spaces of Light" photography award and another copy of a book about places of worship in the Islamic history.