Labour MEP John Attard Montalto was part of a delegation from the European Parliament which visited Mauritania to discuss the possibility of reaching an agreement that would allow fishermen from the EU to ply their trade in Mauritanian waters. Fishing was suspended in this area after a coup in the country.

Dr Attard Montalto held meetings with EU fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg who is willing to visit Mauritania if there is goodwill for an agreement to be signed.

The Labour MEP passed on this message to the Mauritanian government but so far no reply has been received.

Dr Attard Montalto said that the EU has already promised to continue cooperation projects with Mauritania after these had been frozen following a coup in August 2005.