Mauritania views its relations with European countries positively but refuses to act as their 'border guard' on migration, Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug said.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, Ould Merzoug said Nouakchott wanted to build balanced partnerships with Europe based on mutual respect and shared interests. He stressed that cooperation on migration must take account of Mauritania's priorities and sovereignty.
The minister said Mauritania spoke frankly with its European partners, particularly France, about regional issues. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani discussed security developments in the Sahel with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Paris in April, he said, adding that he had also held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
Ould Merzoug said Mauritania advised Paris to maintain stable relations with Algeria if it wanted to play an influential role in the Sahel. He said relations between France and Algeria were moving in a positive direction.
He added that Ghazouani's visit to France had revitalised the two countries' strategic partnership and led to cooperation agreements covering food security, energy, modern technology, vocational training, employment and education, alongside stronger security and military cooperation.
