Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — In a show of solidarity and strategic alignment, President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire welcomed his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, for a 24-hour working visit on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The meeting at the Ivorian presidential palace focused on deepening bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional security concerns.

Bilateral cooperation takes center stage

The two heads of state engaged in in-depth discussions to strengthen cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania. Key areas included trade, security collaboration, and shared development initiatives. Their exchange underscored the importance of joint action in tackling the complex challenges facing West Africa today.

The visit highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, with both leaders emphasizing their commitment to mutual support and coordinated policies.

Regional security dominates agenda

A major focus of the talks was the escalating security threats in the subregion. From cross-border terrorism to political instability, the leaders recognized the need for enhanced regional cooperation to safeguard peace and stability. President Ouattara stressed the urgency of collective action, stating that shared challenges require shared solutions.

« We have had an excellent discussion on the situation in our respective countries, the prospects for cooperation, and above all, the difficulties facing our subregion, » Ouattara remarked. « We are fully aligned on decisions and perspectives, and we will work closely together to move forward. »

Mutual respect and shared values

President Ghazouani echoed this sentiment, describing Côte d’Ivoire as a « true friend and brother » to Mauritania. He commended the existing strong ties between the two nations, built on a foundation of friendship, trust, and shared visions on critical issues.

The Mauritanian leader added that the visit had reinforced the resolve to further solidify their partnership, ensuring that both countries benefit from enhanced economic and political collaboration.

Looking ahead: A united front

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen dialogue and cooperation. Both presidents expressed optimism about the future, noting that their countries’ shared interests and challenges would drive them to work even more closely in the coming years.

The visit is expected to pave the way for new agreements and initiatives, further strengthening the relationship between Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania.