Algeria-Mauritania: Trade between the two countries reached $352 million in 2025

In a speech delivered at the opening of the 20th session of the Algerian-Mauritanian High Joint Commission on Cooperation, Mr Ghrieb stated that the cooperative and partnership relations between the two countries had reached “exceptional levels, marked by new achievements, intensive exchanges and continuous consultation and coordination, through the exchange of official visits at various levels, in accordance with the high-level guidance of the leaders of both countries, the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his brother, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani”.

"This session is taking place against a regional and international backdrop that is 'particularly sensitive, marked by growing security challenges, which, now more than ever, call for strengthened coordination and cooperation based on an integrated and informed approach, founded on dialogue, consultation and the exchange of experiences and expertise, particularly between our security forces'," he said, according to the APS news agency.

In this regard, he referred to the cooperation agreements previously signed between Algeria and Mauritania, emphasising that the accelerated momentum in bilateral relations is not limited to military and security matters alone, but extends to other important areas.

The Tindouf–Zouerate road and the commercial and industrial free zone project

Ghrieb also welcomed the concrete progress made in implementing the complementary and integration projects agreed by the Presidents of the two countries, which have turned the Algerian-Mauritanian borders today into “a rapidly growing area of economic integration, further strengthened by the opening of two (2) border posts in February 2024 under the supervision of the leaders of both countries”.

At the forefront of these projects is the strategic initiative to build the road linking Tindouf to Zouerate and the commercial and industrial free zone project, for which “progress has exceeded 50%”, alongside other social and humanitarian projects for which “all technical studies have been finalised at various stages and whose implementation will begin shortly”, Mr Ghrieb continued.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Algeria is ready to share its technical and industrial expertise and to support its Mauritanian brothers in their efforts to strengthen their national capabilities in the fields of hydrocarbon exploration and production and the development of gas projects.

With regard to the mining sector, the Prime Minister stated that “now more than ever, our two countries are called upon to forge a shared vision for establishing mutually beneficial cooperation”, with a view to exploiting the vast mineral resources found in both countries.

Trade reached $352 million in 2025

In commercial terms, bilateral trade “reached approximately $352 million in 2025”, hence the need to continue efforts to increase and diversify this trade, “by drawing on the political will and the major potential and strengths available to both countries, foremost among which are their geographical proximity and the existence of a shipping route for the transport of goods”, the Prime Minister noted.

At the end of his speech, Mr Ghrieb emphasised the importance of redoubling efforts in the coming period to monitor the implementation of the agreements adopted at the 20th session of the Algerian-Mauritanian Joint High Commission, calling for “their optimal utilisation to deepen cooperation and open up new opportunities for operators on both sides, with a view to building the complementary and integrated partnership to which both countries aspire”.

For his part, the Mauritanian Prime Minister noted that this session is taking place “as part of a positive momentum that has spread to all vital areas”, making it “a pivotal step in cementing our shared commitment to achieving concrete results that meet the aspirations of our two countries and peoples for comprehensive and sustainable development”.

He also highlighted “the special attention and sound strategic vision that drive the leaders of both countries to foster strong fraternal ties between Algeria and Mauritania and their brotherly peoples”, adding that these ties “draw their strength from their constant commitment to broadening the scope for constructive cooperation and strengthening the foundations of partnership in various fields”.

The Mauritanian Prime Minister emphasised that “the proven wisdom and sound foresight of the leaders of both countries have acted as a safety valve, enabling us to overcome the crises shaking the region”, thereby providing both sides with “the right conditions to devote themselves to a balanced and ambitious development process”. “This judicious approach has made it possible to maintain a constant commitment to supporting the security and stability of neighbouring countries and to standing by them in the face of their current circumstances, with all that this entails in terms of support and solidarity,” he said.

He also made a point of thanking Algeria for “the completion of numerous major projects aimed at strengthening this partnership, foremost among them the strategic Tindouf-Zouerate road”, highlighting the benefits of this project in terms of “supporting economic integration between the two countries and opening up access to the African market, as well as the completion of the border post between the two countries ".