Talks between Togo and Mauritania on African and international issues

Ahmed Salem:

On June 11, 2026, the President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug.

This comes within the framework of the friendly relations and cooperation between Togo MauritaniaTo strengthen cooperation and partnership, in a way that benefits both peoples.

The Mauritanian Foreign Minister was carrying a message from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, which he was keen to deliver to the President of the Togolese Council.

The message read: “We were honored to receive Mr. Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, to whom we conveyed a message from his brother, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

Regular consultations on local and international issues

The two leaders hold regular consultations on key issues of common interest, at the bilateral, regional and international levels,” he stated.

Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug took the opportunity of his meeting with the President of the State Council of Togo to discuss the status of the bilateral partnership and prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed a number of issues of common interest on the international agenda, particularly within the framework of the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations.

The talks highlighted a convergence of views on key regional and international issues, as well as their shared commitment to the values of peace, solidarity and cooperation.

Mauritania is suffering from desertification

On a related note regarding Mauritania, the Mauritanian Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Masouda Bint Baham, warned of the continued worsening of the desertification phenomenon in the country.

It confirmed that it now affects more than 84% of Mauritania’s total area, amid escalating environmental challenges that threaten the coastal strip and terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

The minister's remarks came during events held in the capital Nouakchott to celebrate World Environment and Oceans Days, where she reviewed the most prominent environmental issues facing the country and the government's efforts to deal with them.

Bint Baham stressed that the expansion of desertification represents one of the most serious current environmental challenges, noting that confronting this phenomenon requires intensifying national efforts and strengthening coordination between the various concerned parties, in addition to working to protect coastal ecosystems and preserve biodiversity.

Mauritania implements a package of reforms

She added that the Mauritanian government is implementing a package of programs and reforms aimed at enhancing the ability to adapt to climate change and reducing its negative effects, which contributes to supporting the resilience of environmental and economic systems and achieving sustainable development.

The Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development stressed that protecting the environment is a fundamental pillar for ensuring food security, public health and achieving economic well-being, calling for continued efforts to preserve and protect natural resources for future generations.

These warnings come at a time of growing international concern about the repercussions of climate change and environmental degradation, especially in countries located in areas most vulnerable to desertification and drought.