OIC Leadership: Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, with the vote framed around major regional issues including Palestine and Jerusalem. Development Finance: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid signed a $40m loan agreement in Nouakchott to support institutes in key fields, while highlighting long-running Saudi-Mauritania cooperation and upcoming agricultural R’kiz project steps. World Bank/IFC Engagement: Mauritania’s Economy and Finance ministry met World Bank representatives on cooperation, including pre-school education goals (100,000 children) and broader partnership plans; meanwhile a World Bank/IFC mission visited SNIM in Nouakchott to discuss future cooperation. Energy & Trade Links: Mauritania’s Energy Minister held talks in Algeria with Sonatrach and Sonelgaz on hydrocarbons, electricity and training, while the Economy Minister met the Chinese ambassador to review bilateral cooperation. Water & Infrastructure: President Ghazouani oversaw inauguration of Boghé’s river-water treatment system, state-financed at MRO 200m, aimed at boosting city water supply. Regional Business Climate: US Embassy in Abuja said it will still process A, G and C visas for Nigerians even as routine services shift to regional hubs. Migration Pressure: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off its coast near Amhijrat, including 17 children, as boats continue targeting Europe’s Canary Islands.