The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, on Friday, 19 June 2026, received in audience the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, H.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, who was in Abuja as Special Envoy of the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, His Excellency, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
The Special Envoy conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Ghazouani to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding cordial relations between the two sister African nations. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among African countries to address contemporary challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, regional peace and security, and economic growth. He also underscored the importance of deepening bilateral and multilateral engagement between Nigeria and Mauritania and sought Nigeria’s support for Mauritania’s candidature for the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
In his response, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed warmly welcomed the Special Envoy and his delegation to Abuja and conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He informed the delegation that although the President was unable to receive the Special Envoy personally due to pressing official engagements, the message from President Ghazouani would be duly conveyed to him. The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the excellent relations that have continued to exist between Nigeria and Mauritania and stressed the need to further deepen cooperation in line with emerging regional and global realities. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Mauritania in advancing peace, security, stability, economic prosperity and sustainable development across the African continent.
Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed further emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, particularly in the areas of trade, economic cooperation, regional integration and development. He assured the Mauritanian delegation that all issues raised during the meeting, including those relating to international candidatures, would receive appropriate consideration by the relevant authorities.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
19th, June 2026
