Relations between Morocco and Mauritania, anchored in a common history and shared aspirations, are of major strategic importance today. As part of the Royal Atlantic Initiative and the African opening, these two nations stand as pillars of ambitious regional and international cooperation, aiming to meet security, economic and cultural challenges while strengthening African integration. .
These relations are part of a complex strategic and historical framework, reflecting a multidimensional dynamic where common interests converge to respond to global and regional issues. Located at the crossroads between the Maghreb, the Sahel and the Atlantic Ocean, these two countries have geographic, economic and cultural assets giving them a key role in the stability and development of the region.
For decades, their bilateral relations have oscillated between diplomatic challenges and shared ambitions, with the common thread being a vision focused on cooperation and regional integration.
This relationship takes on particular importance in the light of the Royal Atlantic Initiative, launched by Morocco, which aims to position the Atlantic Ocean as a strategic space for dialogue, development and security. Far from being limited to bilateral trade, this initiative aims to establish a global framework promoting economic integration and the concerted management of transnational challenges. In this context, Mauritania, located on the Atlantic coast and enjoying a strategic position between North Africa and West Africa, presents itself as an essential partner in the implementation of this vision.
Geostrategic cooperation to respond to the challenges of the Atlantic and the Sahel
Cooperation between Morocco and Mauritania is based on crucial geostrategic issues, combining the security of the Sahelo-Saharan space and the exploitation of the opportunities offered by the Atlantic coast. The Royal Atlantic Initiative, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is part of a logic of integrated management of common challenges linked to this maritime space, in particular security, the blue economy and trade.
Morocco, as the driving force behind this initiative, is putting forward a strategy based on strengthening partnerships with countries bordering the Atlantic, including Mauritania and sub-Saharan or Sahelo-Saharan African countries.
Regional security and stability
The Sahelo-Saharan region and the Atlantic coast face growing security challenges, such as terrorism, illicit trafficking and irregular migration. Mauritania, due to its strategic position and its commitment to Sahelian initiatives (such as the G5 Sahel), plays a central role in stabilizing the region. At the same time, Morocco brings its expertise in intelligence, security training and military cooperation to support Mauritanian efforts.
This synergy between the two countries is part of the Royal Atlantic Initiative, which advocates a collaborative approach to secure maritime routes, fight against piracy and prevent transnational trafficking. The complementarity between Moroccan military capabilities and Mauritania’s regional anchoring within the Sahel creates a dynamic where bilateral cooperation goes beyond simple defense issues.
It extends to crisis prevention, the resilience of local populations and the strengthening of institutional capacities. Thus, the joint approach of these two countries reflects a strategic vision aligned with regional needs while falling within international frameworks such as that of the United Nations.
Economic development and exploitation of maritime resources
The Atlantic Ocean offers immense potential in terms of fishing, renewable energy and maritime trade. Mauritania, with an exclusive economic zone rich in fisheries resources, benefits from strategic partnerships with Morocco, particularly within the framework of projects to modernize port infrastructure and develop marine resources.
The Royal Atlantic Initiative also promotes the creation of economic corridors connecting Moroccan ports (such as Tangier Med) to Mauritanian hubs, thus making it possible to boost trade between North Africa and West Africa with the rest of the world.
This economic cooperation illustrates the potential of regional integration through the exploitation of common resources. At the same time, the Royal Atlantic Initiative aims to promote cooperation and sustainable development between African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Founded on values of solidarity, partnership and interdependence, it reflects the royal vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
-Regional integration and African opening: opportunities and perspectives
The Moroccan opening to Africa, initiated by the royal vision since the country’s return to the African Union in 2017, constitutes a central pillar in the strengthening of Moroccan-Mauritanian relations. This dynamic is enriched thanks to the Royal Initiative, which extends Morocco’s influence beyond the Maghreb and Sahelo-Saharan framework, to embrace an integrated and inclusive African vision.
Economic integration as a catalyst
Economic integration between Morocco and Mauritania is based on a common vision aimed at creating regional value chains and strengthening connectivity infrastructure. Projects such as the trans-Saharan road, linking Morocco to Mauritania and other West African countries, illustrate this ambition. This infrastructure is not limited to a simple physical link: it becomes a vector of economic and social development, promoting commercial exchanges, the mobility of populations and the circulation of investments.
It is a model of cooperation where physical and economic infrastructure serves as catalysts for regional cohesion. However, the success of this integration will depend on the ability of the two countries to lift non-tariff barriers, harmonize their regulatory frameworks and encourage private investment. The Royal Atlantic Initiative, by serving as a framework for these efforts, can transform this bilateral collaboration into an engine of prosperity for all of West Africa.
Several projects were implemented to ensure the success of this royal vision. The Tiznit-Dakhla expressway is being finalized over a length of 1,055 km, for an amount of around 9 billion dirhams. It also includes rigorous environmental measures, approved by the National Environment Committee, ensuring that ecological impact is minimized.
The new port of Dakhla Atlantique constitutes a major change in the dynamics of national and international policy aimed at achieving its geostrategic objectives, ultimately becoming for Morocco a gateway to Africa and the rest of the world. It should be completed in 2028. This port will be backed by an industrial-logistics zone of 1,650 hectares intended to offer industrial and logistics services on a regional scale.
The cultural and diplomatic dimension as a basis for cooperation
In addition to economic and security aspects, the relationship between Morocco and Mauritania is based on a rich common history and strong cultural affinities. The common cultural heritage between the two countries, including crafts, music and literature, is a wealth that can be harnessed to promote an inclusive regional identity. Jointly organized cultural festivals, such as artistic encounters or celebrations of Saharan and Hassani heritage, strengthen the visibility of this cooperation and attract international attention.
Cultural cooperation contributes to establishing a positive perception of bilateral relations among populations. This promotes greater acceptance of economic development projects and political initiatives, creating a shared sense of belonging.
The role of Sufi religious brotherhoods, such as the Tijaniyya, the Zaouïa Qadiriya Boutchichia and the Zaouïa of Cheikh Maâlâinain, illustrates the potential of cultural and spiritual diplomacy to strengthen bilateral ties and promote shared values.
Cultural and religious integration acts as a cement in Moroccan-Mauritanian relations. It not only consolidates diplomatic foundations but also promotes social cohesion and a positive perception of bilateral partnerships. In an increasingly interdependent world, deepening cultural ties between the two countries could also serve as a model for intercultural relations in the African region.
Moroccan-Mauritanian relations stand out as an exemplary model of geostrategic partnership in a region with multiple and complex issues. By relying on structuring projects, a common vision for stability and deep cultural ties, these two nations are strengthening their cooperation for a prosperous and integrated future.
In particular, the Royal Atlantic Initiative transcends bilateral interactions by providing an inclusive platform for countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This strategic partnership between Morocco and Mauritania, anchored in regional stability and shared prosperity, stands out as an essential vector for consolidating integration and cohesion within the African continent.
*Atlantic Center for African Studies – Laayoune
