Secretary General welcomes President of Mauritania to NATO Headquarters

On Wednesday (25 March 2026), Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to NATO Headquarters, where he also met with the North Atlantic Council.

The Secretary General emphasised that the changing security situation in NATO's southern neighbourhood has a clear and direct impact on Euro-Atlantic security. He noted that this further demonstrates the importance of enhancing political dialogue and practical cooperation with like-minded partners, including Mauritania.

The Alliance's partnership with Mauritania has deepened since the country joined NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue partnership forum in 1995. With over 30 years of cooperation, Mauritania is an important NATO partner and an emerging centre of stability in the Sahel region. Earlier this year, Mauritania and NATO jointly approved an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), marking a new phase in their cooperation, and offering opportunities to further leverage the potential of their partnership. In addition, a NATO Defence and Related Security Capacity Building (DCB) Package supports Mauritania in building stronger and more resilient defence capabilities, helping to enhance stability and security for both Mauritania and the wider Sahel region.

President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani last visited NATO Headquarters in January 2021.