.jpg&w=1280&q=75)
Sri Lanka and Mauritania signed an agreement today to establish a Joint Commission on Cooperation to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
The signing took place following bilateral talks between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz at the President’s Office this afternoon. During the meeting between the two presidents, Mauritania requested for Sri Lankan expertise and assistance in
developing a number of sectors, including mining, health, vocational training, fisheries and agriculture.
In 2012, Sri Lanka decided to expand relations in the African continent. At present, Sri Lanka maintains formal diplomatic relations with 42 African countries with six resident missions.
Despite the geographical distance between the two nations, President Aziz said, “There is a great potential for our two countries to work together. We’re looking forward to a longer visit. (We) like to strengthen and consolidate our relations.”
The two countries already share good relations, with Mauritania having consistently supported Sri Lanka in international forums, including at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2012 and 2013, despite facing external pressure.
