A team from the National Institute of Research and Public Health (INRSP) of Mauritania has been trained at the National Institute of Hygiene (INH) of Morocco on laboratory research on the new Coronavirus, as part of the 2019 South-South cooperation and partnership agreement between the two establishments.
Over a period of three weeks, the course covered molecular biology diagnostics for Covid-19 as well as the sequence of the entire genome through the virus’s next-generation sequencing technology (NGS), says the INH in its press release.
Additionally, in the first series of training sessions for Mauritanian executives, subjects such as biosafety and quality management were covered, while other INRSP teams should benefit from this same training course in the weeks to come.
The INH also plans to receive delegations from other neighboring countries “to exchange scientific and technological knowledge in the areas that are within its scope”
This research is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between African nations.
In September, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Mauritanian counterpart Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed spoke on the phone about bilateral ties between the two countries.
The two officials stated they were greatly satisfied with the level of relations and cooperation between their countries.
Bourita and Ahmed discussed the importance of intensifying permanent contacts and consultations to serve the common interests of Morocco and Mauritania.
Nouakchott and Rabat have repeatedly expressed determination to boost ties in a wide range of areas, including research and diplomatic cooperation.
Ahmed said that his meeting with the Moroccan FM included “a number of political consultations, regarding various fields such as trade, business, and regional issues.”
The chief Mauritanian diplomat added that the fact that “both countries have similar views and perspectives on many issues” will further facilitate the improvement of bilateral cooperation.
He also noted the “important symbolic significance of the newly inaugurated Mauritanian diplomatic mission building, in the heart of the Moroccan capital,” adding that “it constitutes a strong indicator to the positive direction of relations between Rabat and Nouakchott.”
