President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani of Mauritania has linked the success of the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump for the Gaza Strip to full commitment by all parties to its terms.
He stressed that there is no alternative to the two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace and security in the region, underscoring the strength of his country’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Riyadh, Ghazouani said Mauritania and Saudi Arabia are bound by “deep and longstanding ties of brotherhood and friendship,” as well as shared “religious, spiritual, and cultural bonds.” He noted that Mauritanians hold great affection for the Kingdom and its leadership.
Ghazouani added that the close alignment between Riyadh and Nouakchott on regional and international issues reflects “deep mutual trust and a strong, growing partnership.” He pointed to broad opportunities for cooperation in fields such as industry, infrastructure, digital transformation, and energy.
Speaking about his participation in the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, the president praised the forum as “a global platform for dialogue, investment, and innovation,” adding that Mauritania intends to present its economic vision and investment opportunities, while exploring new avenues of cooperation.
On the Trump peace plan, Ghazouani said the initiative represents “a positive and welcome development” aimed at halting violence and destruction in Gaza. But he acknowledged that the plan faces serious challenges, especially ensuring compliance with its provisions. Its success, he emphasized, depends on genuine political will and prioritizing the humanitarian dimension.
He reiterated the need to swiftly implement a two-state solution to enable the Palestinian people to establish their independent state in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Ghazouani also rejected allegations that Mauritania had forcibly deported African migrants, calling them “false and exaggerated claims spread by malicious social media accounts.” He explained that Mauritania faces a steady flow of irregular migrants who use the country as a route to Europe. The government, he said, has conducted a census and repatriated those without legal status in coordination with their home countries, while preserving their dignity.
Mauritania currently hosts around 340,000 refugees from Mali, as well as tens of thousands of others legally residing in the country.
