Mauritanian Foreign Minister Visits Bamako to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

BAMAKO, Mali - On October 8, 2025, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, visited Bamako and met with Mali’s transitional President, Army General Assimi Goïta. He delivered a message from Mauritanian President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani, emphasizing fraternity, cooperation, and mutual solidarity between the two countries.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions over migration and trade. Mauritania has regularly arrested and expelled Malian nationals, despite agreements on free movement, while Mali recently closed thousands of Mauritanian-owned shops in response. Mauritanian media report that the minister advocated for reopening these businesses.

The Malian presidency highlighted the need for dialogue and urged the reactivation of the Mali-Mauritania high commission to provide a structured framework for ongoing consultations.