Germany and Mauritania have enjoyed good and friendly bilateral relations since Mauritania gained its independence in 1960, with regular, high level dialogue and close exchange on many topics. For example, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in New York in September 2024, during the United Nations General Assembly. In October 2024, Ghazouani also took part in the first Hamburg Sustainability Conference. On this occasion, he was received by Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier.

Bilateral development cooperation has been ongoing since the 1960s. Nowadays it focuses on the central topics of peace and social cohesion, the protection of the ecosystems on which all life on Earth depends, as well as on sustainable economic development, training and employment. Emphasis is thereby also placed on the development of renewable energies and production of green hydrogen. Germany is involved in the Team Europe Initiative to develop green hydrogen in Mauritania. On a regular basis, high-level delegations from Mauritania participate in the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue.

Furthermore, Germany is assisting Mauritania with selected steps as part of a NATO Partnership. Germany supports programmes run by multilateral organisations such as UNICEF and the WFP to strengthen the population’s resilience and social security. Projects are also underway focusing on preventing extremism, promoting the rule of law and biosecurity. Through United Nations humanitarian assistance, particularly in the light of the major increase in refugees from Mauritania’s neighbouring country Mali to the east, Germany offers assistance to communities taking in refugees.

Trade between the two countries could be further expanded. Germany’s principal imports from Mauritania are raw materials and its main exports to the country are foodstuffs, motor vehicles and machinery. Various spheres offer potential for additional activities on the part of German businesses, including the development of renewable energies and the planned launch of green hydrogen production, as well as the mining, transport, logistics, agriculture and fishery sectors.