As China and Mauritania mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, Chinese Ambassador to Mauritania Tang Zhongdong hailed the enduring partnership as “solid as a rock” in an exclusive interview with newsmen. Since establishing ties in 1965, the two nations have stood side by side, fostering mutual support in international affairs and driving economic progress.
Ambassador Tang emphasized the shared historical context that brought the nations closer, noting, “Mauritania, like China, shouldered the dual responsibilities of national survival and development after gaining independence.” This common ground laid the foundation for a visionary decision by their founding leaders to forge diplomatic ties during the Cold War.
Over the decades, the partnership has flourished through collaborative projects that have significantly improved the well-being of both nations. China’s first aid initiative in Mauritania, the Mpoli rice demonstration farm, introduced advanced agricultural techniques, boosting the West African nation’s rice self-sufficiency.
Major infrastructure projects, such as the Friendship Port and the recently inaugurated China-Mauritania Friendship Overpass in Nouakchott, have become cornerstones of Mauritania’s development. The overpass, unveiled in May 2025, has captured local enthusiasm, with residents flocking to visit and share photos on social media.
In the fisheries sector, China was among the first to engage in distant-water fishing cooperation with Mauritania. Today, dozens of Chinese companies operate in the sector, with significant potential for further collaboration. Medical assistance remains another hallmark of the relationship, with Chinese medical teams earning praise for their professionalism. Notably, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has publicly acknowledged benefiting from their care during his childhood.
On the global stage, China and Mauritania share aligned positions, with Mauritania steadfastly supporting the one-China principle and backing China in multilateral forums. In September 2024, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, a milestone Tang described as a reflection of their “shared destiny and joint commitment to building a community with a shared future.”
Looking ahead, Tang expressed optimism about the future of China-Mauritania relations, stating, “The sound and high-quality growth of our ties will inject strong momentum into broader China-Africa cooperation.” He called for deeper friendship and collaboration, affirming that the two nations will remain “good friends forever.”
As both countries advance toward modernization, their six-decade partnership stands as a testament to resilience, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for a brighter future.
