Does this meeting mark a new beginning towards a strategic partnership?
Moroccan-Mauritanian relations have witnessed significant progress recently, especially following the meeting between King Mohammed VI and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani at the Royal Palace in Casablanca.
This meeting aims to revive the high-level joint commission between the two countries, which has been inactive since March 2022, paving the way for deeper cooperation in political, economic, and social domains.
The return of the joint commission: A step in the right direction?
According to senior Mauritanian sources, convening the joint commission reflects a strong commitment from both countries to strengthen their partnership. This commission has always been a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, addressing strategic projects that enhance economic and political integration. However, the question remains: Will this commission be sustainably activated to overcome previous stagnation?
Shared Economy and Ambitious Projects
The meeting between Moroccan Ambassador Hamid Chabar and Mauritanian Minister of Economy, Sidi Ahmed Ould Abouh, reflects the new momentum in economic cooperation. Key discussions included the African-Atlantic gas pipeline project, which aims to connect Nigeria to Morocco via Mauritania, serving as a gateway to transport gas to Europe.
This grand project, alongside King Mohammed VI’s initiative to provide Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean, reinforces the two nations’ status as strategic partners in regional development. But do both nations possess the necessary mechanisms to ensure the implementation of such ambitious projects?
King Mohammed VI’s African Diplomacy
This Moroccan-Mauritanian rapprochement cannot be understood in isolation from Morocco’s foreign policy in Africa. Morocco seeks to strengthen its role as a pivotal partner in African development through major projects like the gas pipeline, as well as its support for Sahel countries. Can Mauritania become a strategic partner to help achieve this goal? And can the two countries overcome regional challenges to secure their mutual interests?
Relations Beyond Economics
In addition to economic matters, the leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and social ties between their peoples. Mauritania is a natural partner for Morocco due to their cultural and geographical proximity. Stable relations between the two countries positively impact the stability of the entire region. But can these relations evolve to include deeper security cooperation, especially in light of challenges facing the African Sahel?
Political Will and Long-Term Partnership
The statement from the Royal Cabinet emphasized the “strong relations of trust and cooperation between the two countries,” reflecting a clear determination to overcome past obstacles. Cooperation in strategic connectivity and infrastructure projects, such as the gas pipeline, could enhance integration between the two nations and position them as regional leaders.
Open Questions:
- How will the high-level joint commission address the challenges that previously hindered its meetings?
- What are the next steps to advance the African-Atlantic gas pipeline project?
- How can Morocco and Mauritania capitalize on this rapprochement to enhance their standing in Africa?
Conclusion:
The meeting between King Mohammed VI and President Ghazouani marks a significant step toward a renewed strategic partnership. With clear political will and ambitious joint projects, this cooperation could bring transformative change to bilateral relations. However, achieving this ambition depends on the ability of both parties to activate cooperation mechanisms and tackle shared challenges.
