The relationship between Algeria and Mauritania is often characterized as friendly, although there were several political standoffs between the two countries in the past.

During the War, Mauritania and Morocco together invaded the Western Sahara region, while Algeria opposed them and supported the Polisario Front.

Algeria supported Mauritania in the 1960s against Moroccan territorial claims, and in the early 1970s helped it leave the franc-zone and establish a national currency.

The Mauritanian military, weaker in both materials and arms, was forced to renounce their claims in the Western Sahara.

Both countries have been aiming to work and collaborate while trying not to anger Morocco, who is Algeria's fierce rival but Mauritania's important economic investor.