President of Republic Receives US Deputy National Security Advisor

The President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, received, Wednesday at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott, Mr. Jonathan Finer, US Deputy National Security Advisor.
The meeting discussed the existing cooperation relations between the two countries.
At the end of the meeting, the USA Deputy National Security Advisor, Mr. Jonathan Finer, made a statement in which he said:
‘’ Good morning. It is my great pleasure to be here in Nouakchott, before I start, I wish all Mauritanians a happy Eid al-Mawlid.
I have had a very productive meeting with the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and some of his cabinet ministers. I take the opportunity to thank His Excellency for his hospitality, and leadership over the past two years, and for the political and economic reforms in the country.
I discussed with the President how best to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Mauritania in light of our common security, economic, and political goals.
The security situation in the Sahel region remains a shared priority for the United States and Mauritania.
As host of the G-5 Sahel Executive Secretariat, Mauritania plays a key role in how other G5 Sahel countries react to regional threats.
The Mauritanian Government’s comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, in particular, is commendable because it addresses not only the security threat, but underlying political, economic, and development needs that, if ignored, can threaten the stability and security of a country.
The United States is also proud of its continued support for the G-5 Sahel member states bilaterally to help them deal with persistent terrorist threats in the region.
I will meet with the G-5 Executive Secretariat later today to learn more about current challenges and opportunities to improve governance, advance development, and stem the terrorist threat.
Over the past two years, the government of His Excellency President of the Republic His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has been committed to addressing longstanding inequalities within Mauritania.
The recent legislation to combat human trafficking and the continued implementation of the national action plan that directly addresses the problem of trafficking is heartening.
Like the recent passage of the Associations Law, which encourages civil society, as well as talk about a comprehensive national dialogue aimed at achieving inclusion and justice.
The United States encourages these positive and comprehensive steps and continued efforts, and stands ready to support Mauritania in its fight against corruption, human trafficking, and slavery.
We applaud these efforts and look forward to seeing continued progress to ensure that all Mauritanians have a voice in the political process.
On the economic front, Mauritania has enormous potential, but there are still challenges for American and foreign investors.
His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has an ambitious economic reform agenda aimed at overcoming difficulties, attracting more foreign investment, and distributing wealth and opportunities more evenly within the Mauritanian community. Once again, you can count on the United States as a partner in these efforts.
U.S companies can also contribute to the development of Mauritania through investment opportunities in the renewable energy, fishing, and agriculture sectors.
In sum, there are many opportunities that allow us to work together to achieve our common priorities.
The United States will continue its strong partnership with Mauritania, the G-5 Sahel, and other West African governments and African institutions, to advance stability and prosperity in the region.
Regarding the COVID-19, I realize that this epidemic has had a significant impact on the daily lives of Mauritanians and I commend President, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazwani, for the country’s wise handling of the pandemic.
The United States remains a partner in efforts to fight against the pandemic and in addition to donating 302,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines to Mauritania through the COVAX Initiative, the United States has contributed to funding to facilitate COVAX donations to other countries.
During my visit, I look forward to engaging with Mauritanian officials, G-5 Sahel experts, and others to expand our relationship with the people and government of Mauritania.
Thank you.’’