Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has successfully concluded a working visit to Mauritania where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Mohamed Ould Abdel.
The visit emphasised a sign of commitment that South Africa is willing to strengthen friendly and cooperative relations with Mauritania.
Abdel Aziz was sworn-in on Saturday for a second five-year term after winning the June 21 presidential election.
South Africa has already made a constructive contribution in Mauritania in support of the implementation of the democratic roadmap undertaken by the military transitional government following the coup d'état of August 2005.
The efforts contributed to the restoration of constitutional order and stability in Mauritania leading to South Africa's support for the lifting of the African Union's (AU) suspension of the country on 10 April 2007.
In terms of economic relations, progress has been recorded between the two countries in the areas of fisheries and mining.
An economic cooperation agreement, which is ready for signature, will also facilitate the opening of trade and investment opportunities for the two countries.
The deputy president was representing President Jacob Zuma – who is attending the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit, in Washington. - SAnews.gov.za
