Morocco, Mauritania discuss road connectivity and strategic infrastructure projects

Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework agreement in Rabat for the rehabilitation and expansion of the 480-kilometer road linking Nouakchott and Nouadhibou via kilometer 55. (MAP)

Improving road connectivity between Morocco and Mauritania and developing strategic infrastructure projects were at the center of talks held Monday in Rabat between Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka and Mauritania’s Minister of Equipment and Transport Alia Ould El Farik.

On 22/09/2026 at 16h06

The meeting, held as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on road infrastructure, saw the signing of a framework agreement on the rehabilitation and expansion of the road linking Nouakchott and Nouadhibou via kilometer 55, covering a total distance of 480 kilometers and connecting the road networks of the two countries.

The agreement establishes a framework for joint cooperation to carry out the project, while also promoting coordination on road maintenance and the exchange of expertise and experience.

The two sides highlighted the project’s importance in facilitating the movement of transport operators and economic stakeholders and improving the flow of trade. They said this would support economic, commercial and investment cooperation between the two countries and translate their shared commitment into concrete projects that use infrastructure and transport to promote development, economic integration and connectivity.

Baraka said the agreement aims to develop, improve, maintain and rehabilitate the road while strengthening joint expertise.

“This agreement aims to develop, improve, maintain and rehabilitate this road, while strengthening our shared expertise through the creation of a joint engineering consultancy office in Mauritania, which will oversee the implementation of the project,” he said.

The minister said the agreement comes amid growing momentum in relations between Morocco and Mauritania and reflects the directives of King Mohammed VI and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani to strengthen bilateral cooperation and consolidate a strategic partnership between the two countries.

He also stressed the importance of joint efforts to ensure the road’s long-term sustainability, particularly in light of climate change and its impact on road infrastructure in the region.

For his part, Ould El Farik said the signing of the framework agreement for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Nouakchott-Nouadhibou road via kilometer 55, which links the two countries’ road networks, represents a practical expression of the directives of the two countries’ leaders.

He said the strategic project is based on an integrated, participatory approach that brings together the efforts and expertise of both countries to ensure that the vital road is completed in line with the highest applicable technical standards.

By Staff
On 22/09/2026 at 16h06