China attached great importance to developing friendly relations with Mauritania and would work along with the African country to create a brighter prospect for bilateral relations, a senior official said.

President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy Wang Guangqian made the remarks when meeting with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, during his inauguration ceremony held in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, on Wednesday.

Ghazouani, 67, won Mauritania's presidential election on July 5, securing a second term.

Wang, also vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, conveyed Xi’s warm congratulations and best wishes to Ghazouani.

China is willing to work hand in hand with Mauritania to strengthen political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Wang said.

Ghazouani asked Wang to convey his deep respect and sincere greetings to Xi, expressing heartfelt gratitude for Xi sending a special envoy to attend his inauguration ceremony.

Mauritania values the traditional friendship between the two countries and is willing to further deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields with China to push bilateral ties to a higher level, he said.