Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug on Sunday to address security concerns in the Sahel region and the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Fidan emphasized Türkiye's commitment to lasting stability in the Sahel, a region facing terrorism and social unrest. He stressed the importance of bolstering regional counter-terrorism efforts and lauded Mauritania's role as a beacon of stability. The discussion highlighted the need for joint efforts on security, economic development, and social progress.

The meeting also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Fidan commended Mauritania's pursuit of peace in Gaza and expressed Turkey's continued push for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery. He reiterated Türkiye's call for international recognition of Palestine.

The talks come amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis in the central Sahel, encompassing Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Millions have been displaced due to ongoing armed conflict and extreme poverty. The UN warns of further deterioration in 2024.

Diplomatic relations were highlighted, with embassies established in both capitals in the past decade. President Erdoğan's 2018 visit to Mauritania marked a turning point in bilateral relations, further strengthened by President Ghazouani's visit to Turkey in 2021.

The discussion also touched on economic ties. Bilateral trade is on the rise, exceeding $174 million in 2023 with significant growth in early 2024. Turkish investment in Mauritania, including a presence of Turkish fishing vessels, is estimated at nearly $200 million. (ILKHA)