By staff writer, China Africa News
NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania , Sept. 18, 2026 — China and Mauritania are strengthening their bilateral cooperation through a Chinese naval medical mission that combines healthcare services, military exchanges and professional training.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark arrived at Nouakchott’s Friendship Port on Sept. 15 for a seven-day visit under Mission Harmony-2026. During the visit, Chinese medical teams are providing healthcare services to local residents and conducting medical exchanges with Mauritanian health professionals.
The two sides are also using the visit to expand cooperation between their armed forces. The commander of the Mauritanian Navy toured the Chinese hospital ship and held discussions with Chinese naval personnel. Medical teams are also expected to conduct training and professional exchanges with Mauritanian military and healthcare institutions.
The medical mission builds on a long-standing relationship between the two countries. China and Mauritania established diplomatic relations in 1965, and their cooperation has developed across areas including infrastructure, economic development, healthcare and military relations.
The current mission therefore represents more than humanitarian assistance: it provides a platform for China and Mauritania to exchange expertise, strengthen military-to-military contacts and expand practical cooperation in healthcare.
For Mauritania, the cooperation provides access to additional medical services, training and professional exchanges. For China, the mission is part of its wider engagement with African countries through medical assistance, cultural exchanges and practical cooperation.
