Bilateral relations Switzerland–Mauritania

On 20 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted its new Strategy for Africa 2025–2028. Peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, as well as the environment, democracy and governance are the priorities of the strategy. In view of the growing political and economic importance of the African continent, Switzerland intends to strengthen its partnerships with the continent in the interests of both sides.

In the Sahel region, Switzerland focuses primarily on promoting peace, the respect for international humanitarian law, the bolstering of basic services, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Switzerland recognised Mauritania in 1960 and established diplomatic relations in 1961. In 1976, the two countries concluded a trade agreement, an investment protection agreement, and an agreement on economic and technical cooperation. Yet trade has remained limited.

Africa Strategy 2025-2028

Treaty database

Researchers who are citizens of Mauritania can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)

Switzerland maintains regular bilateral technical exchanges with Mauritania on the prevention of violent extremism, and participants from Mauritania are regularly involved in Switzerland's regional activities on this topic in West Africa.

According to statistics on the Swiss Abroad, 23 Swiss citizens were living in Mauritania at the beginning of 2025.