Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Meets Mauritanian Counterpart at OIC Summit

Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji, met with Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, Dr. Mohamed Salem Ould Marzouk, on August 30, 2024, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 50th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, underscoring the Kingdom’s active diplomatic engagement within multilateral Islamic forums.

Context and Background

The discussions between the two senior diplomats focused on reviewing the current state of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Both parties explored avenues to strengthen and develop cooperation across various fields, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening ties in line with mutual interests. The meeting is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance partnerships with fellow Muslim nations, leveraging platforms such as the OIC to foster regional stability and collaboration.

Key Details of the Meeting

Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji and Dr. Mohamed Salem Ould Marzouk addressed a range of topics, including economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation. The officials emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and joint initiatives to support sustainable development and mutual prosperity. The meeting also provided an opportunity to align efforts on pressing regional and international issues, with both sides expressing a commitment to peaceful resolutions and constructive engagement through the OIC framework.

Regional and International Impact

The talks underscored Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in addressing shared challenges within the Islamic world. By engaging with Mauritania, a key partner in North Africa, the Kingdom reinforces its leadership in promoting cooperation on matters such as counterterrorism, economic integration, and humanitarian aid. The OIC session in Yaoundé served as a vital platform for advancing collective action on issues affecting Muslim-majority countries, with Saudi Arabia’s delegation actively contributing to dialogue on regional stability and global peace.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the meeting between Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji and Dr. Mohamed Salem Ould Marzouk?

A1. The meeting aimed to review and strengthen bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Mauritania, exploring ways to enhance cooperation across various fields.

Q2. Where did the meeting take place?

A2. The meeting occurred in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the sidelines of the 50th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

Q3. When did the meeting occur?

A3. The meeting took place on August 30, 2024.

Q4. Who represented Mauritania in the meeting?

A4. Mauritania was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, Dr. Mohamed Salem Ould Marzouk.

Q5. Who represented Saudi Arabia in the meeting?

A5. Saudi Arabia was represented by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji.

Q6. What organization hosted the event where the meeting was held?

A6. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers session.

Q7. What was the OIC session number in Yaoundé?

A7. The session was the 50th regular session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

Q8. What topics did the officials discuss regarding bilateral relations?

A8. They reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen and develop them across various fields, including economic and cultural areas.

Q9. Did the meeting address regional or international issues?

A9. Yes, they discussed regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them.

Q10. How does this meeting support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A10. It aligns with Vision 2030 by fostering international partnerships and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global diplomatic leader.

Q11. What is the significance of the OIC platform for Saudi Arabia?

A11. The OIC allows Saudi Arabia to lead collective action among Muslim nations on issues like peace, security, and development.

Q12. Is Mauritania a key partner for Saudi Arabia in North Africa?

A12. Yes, Mauritania is a valued partner, and strengthening ties supports regional stability and mutual economic growth.

Q13. What types of cooperation were emphasized in the meeting?

A13. The officials emphasized economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation, along with initiatives for sustainable development.

Q14. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy priorities?

A14. It reflects priorities of building strong bilateral ties and active participation in multilateral organizations to promote peace.

Q15. What is the role of Vice Minister Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji in Saudi diplomacy?

A15. He manages key diplomatic engagements, representing Saudi Arabia in bilateral and multilateral meetings to advance national interests.

Q16. Did the meeting include discussions on counterterrorism?

A16. While not explicitly stated, such topics are often part of broader regional security discussions within OIC frameworks.

Q17. What was the outcome of the meeting?

A17. The outcome reaffirmed mutual commitments to enhance cooperation and collaborate on regional and international challenges.

Q18. How does the meeting benefit Saudi Arabia-Mauritania relations?

A18. It strengthens diplomatic ties and opens new avenues for collaboration, benefiting both nations.

A19. The meeting reinforced cooperation on issues relevant to the Islamic world, such as development and stability.

Q20. What future steps were implied by the meeting?

A20. The talks implied continued dialogue and joint initiatives to deepen ties across various sectors, aligning with shared goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This diplomatic engagement directly supports Vision 2030 by reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a central hub for international cooperation and dialogue. Through consistent and proactive diplomacy, the Kingdom strengthens its global standing, fosters economic partnerships, and contributes to regional stability—key pillars of the vision that aim to diversify the economy and build a vibrant society. The meeting with Mauritania exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building bridges and advancing shared prosperity within the Islamic world and beyond.

---