Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune hosted a meeting with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug on Tuesday, January 16, underscoring Algeria's commitment to strengthening ties with the neighboring nation. Following their discussion, Merzoug conveyed to the media President Tebboune's assurances of «the unwavering determination of the Algerian people and government to advance bilateral cooperation relations between the two brotherly countries». This meeting comes following President Tebboune's instructions on December 24 to his government to conduct a comprehensive study in anticipation of establishing a free trade zone with Mauritania. This decision came just one day after Mauritania's notable absence from a meeting in Marrakech on December 23, organized by King Mohammed VI to discuss his initiative for Sahel states' access to the Atlantic Ocean. The empty chair policy adopted by Mauritania had sparked questions among some media outlets in Nouakchott.
