On May 19, 2017, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania met at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz expressed that Mauritania attaches great importance to relations toward China and appreciates China's strong support and assistance for a long time. In recent years, the accelerated development of bilateral relations has brought tangible benefits to the Mauritanian people. Mauritania will, as always, open its door to China, welcome Chinese enterprises to invest and conduct business, and deepen cooperation with Mauritania particularly in such areas as mining, fishery and processing industries. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz pointed out that Mauritania values China's status and role in international affairs and is ready to support and take part in the "Belt and Road" construction proposed by President Xi Jinping. The Mauritanian side hopes to further enhance coordination and cooperation with China in Security Council reform, so as to safeguard the interests of developing countries and African countries in particular. The Mauritanian side has established the Sahel G5 with sub-regional countries, aiming to maintain security and stability in the region. It is hoped that China can provide assistance to the development of the Sahel G5. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz extended warm greetings to President Xi Jinping.

Wang Yi conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping to Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Wang Yi noted that Your Excellency President paid a successful visit to China in 2015, and reached broad consensus with President Xi Jinping. Over the past year, the consensus has been well implemented. Despite the great geographic distance between China and Mauritania, the two countries are closely linked by heart. The two sides have always shared mutual understanding and supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns. China supports Mauritania to take a development path in line with its own national conditions. Mauritania has enjoyed political stability and economic development in recent years, which further demonstrates its growth potential. The Nouakchott's Friendship Port once China helped to build still generates significant economic and social benefits today, serving as an example of China-Africa cooperation. Today, the construction of the highway project which involves the participation of the Chinese enterprises has turned the "impoverished delta" into a "thriving delta". In the current circumstances, the Chinese side encourages Chinese-funded enterprises to invest in Mauritania, enhance cooperation with Mauritania in such areas as port construction, mining exploitation and maritime economy, and help Mauritania to develop its economy, improve people's livelihood, gradually establish its own industrial system and cultivate its self-development capability. China, at the same time, also expects that Mauritania will provide a favorable environment for the investment and operation of Chinese enterprises. Wang Yi said that China supports Mauritania's proposal for establishing the Sahel G5 and is willing to help Mauritania to strengthen its capability of stability maintenance and law enforcement. As developing countries, China and Mauritania should further enhance coordination and cooperation in international affairs. China's vote in the UN will always belong to developing countries and African countries.

After the meeting, Wang Yi also gave an interview to local media.