Presidents of China and Mauritania announce “strategic partnership” at meeting in Beijing

On Tuesday, the President of China and the President of Mauritania met in Beijing, announcing the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a "strategic partnership."

A press release from the Chinese embassy in the United States emphasized China's readiness to collaborate with Mauritania to enhance Belt and Road cooperation and deepen partnerships in fisheries, infrastructure, and other areas.

Mauritania became part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, 139 countries are currently have joined BRI. It aims at strengthening economic ties through trade and development agreements but has faced criticism for allegedly creating debt dependencies among participant countries.

The embassy's statement also highlighted Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani's reaffirmation of his country's commitment to the "one-China" policy, which asserts Taiwan as a part of China. 

Ghazouani also expressed gratitude for China's support in Mauritania's economic and social development, particularly in its fight against COVID-19.

The meeting between the two leaders occurred during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.