Mauritania and Morocco share Atlantic ambitions that could turn their geographic location into a major strategic asset. According to the Nouakchott Declaration, adopted at the end of the first Morocco-Mauritania Economic Parliamentary Forum held on May 9–10 in the Mauritanian capital, this geographic positioning could support the development of strategic port and maritime transport infrastructure. Linked to Sahel countries, these infrastructures have the potential to become powerful drivers of continental and international trade. «The two parties express their confidence in their potential to become a hub for production and trade, thanks to their African depth, proximity to Europe, and Atlantic access to the Americas. They reaffirm their belief in the opportunity to transform the Atlantic region into a zone of shared prosperity». Nouakchott Declaration In September 2023, Morocco and Mauritania took part in the launch of the Atlantic Partnership in Washington—a U.S.-led initiative bringing together 43 countries from Africa, Europe, and the Americas. As a reminder, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stated on January 22, 2024, in Rabat—after meeting with his Mauritanian counterpart—that discussions focused on an initiative launched by King Mohammed VI on November 6, 2023. This initiative seeks to facilitate access to the Atlantic for Sahel countries. «Mauritania has its place, its role, and is an essential player in this initiative, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI», said Bourita.
