The National Forum of Mauritanian Communities Abroad opens in Nouakchott on Friday, with representatives of expatriates from four continents, under the patronage of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, to examine the main issues facing the diaspora and strengthen its ties with the country.
The forum, running from October 29 to 31, covers several issues, including encouraging investment by expatriates, developing consular and digital services, protecting the rights of communities abroad, and education, identity and the transfer of expertise and skills back home.
It follows consultations with community representatives in 22 countries, which produced demands for better consular services, a national council for communities abroad, electoral representation for Mauritanians abroad, housing programmes and support for educational and cultural institutions in host countries.
The forum is due to close on Saturday evening with recommendations and a roadmap to strengthen the partnership between the state and its citizens abroad and turn their demands into practical steps.
