(AseanAll) — The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Sugiono, received a farewell visit from the Ambassador of Mauritania to Indonesia, Weddady Ould Sidi Haiba, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the office of the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In the meeting, Sugiono expressed the highest appreciation for the dedication and contributions made by Ambassador Weddady during his tenure in Indonesia since February 15, 2024, which has fostered the bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Mauritania well.

Sugiono proposed various strategic measures to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade, investment, sustainable development, and socio-cultural aspects, as well as to support reciprocal visits between officials of both countries.

Bilateral relations with Mauritania are of great significance considering that Mauritania is a predominantly Muslim country with strategic potential as an economic hub in the Sahel region of Africa. Additionally, Mauritania is also one of the recipient countries of Indonesian grants under the South-South cooperation scheme.

Furthermore, Sugiono invited Mauritania to jointly address the Palestinian issue and conflicts in the Middle East region through the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In his response,  Weddady Sidi Haiba appreciated and supported Indonesia's role in addressing the Palestinian issue in international forums.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and Mauritania were officially opened through the signing of the Joint Communique Concerning the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations in New York on September 26, 2011.

Indonesia's diplomatic mission in Mauritania is currently handled by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Rabat, Morocco, assisted by the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. Meanwhile, Mauritania has opened its Embassy in Jakarta since 2020.