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Wadephul’s Africa tour
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began a three-nation Africa trip in Mauritania, with the tour also taking him to Nigeria and South Africa, as Berlin sought to strengthen political, economic, and security ties with African states.
“On July 20 in Nouakchott, Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug”
In Nouakchott, Wadephul held talks with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug on July 20, with the two ministers co-chairing an expanded working session reviewing cooperation in economic, social, investment, and development fields.
The Mauritanian News Agency said the discussions focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across a range of sectors, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to give fresh momentum to Mauritanian-German relations.
DW reported that Germany’s top diplomat began the Africa visit that takes in Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa as part of its coverage of Germany’s top stories on Monday, July 20.
Security, stability, and Sahel
At a joint press conference in Nouakchott, Wadephul said Mauritania had become an important partner for Germany in matters of security and regional stability, praising its approach based on dialogue and moderation.
Saharamedias Fr quoted Wadephul describing Mauritania as "a voice of wisdom, moderation and tolerance" in the region and praising an approach based on de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions.
The Ghana Business News report said discussions in Mauritania were expected to focus on preventing extremism and promoting deradicalization at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, amid ongoing violence by Islamist militant groups across the Sahel region.
Ghana Business News also said Mauritania hosts at least 320,000 refugees who have fled neighbouring Mali, framing humanitarian and security issues as part of the cooperation.
Partnerships and European interests
Ahead of the trip, a Foreign Office spokeswoman said Europe and Africa are closely linked not only geographically, but also politically, economically and in terms of security issues, and Wadephul would be accompanied by a business delegation.
“Especially at a time of major global geopolitical upheaval, reliable cooperation with our African partners is essential”
ANSA reported Wadephul said, "Especially at a time of major global geopolitical upheaval, reliable cooperation with our African partners is essential," ahead of visits to Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa.
The Associated Press framing in The الشرق الأوسط said the tour aims to identify opportunities for German companies and boost investment, while also describing Mauritania as a "trusted partner" and "a stable country in a region that is highly fragile."
The same report said Mauritania offers opportunities in renewable energy, especially in green hydrogen production, and that Germany stands ready to provide further support because stability in the Sahel serves German and European interests.