In 1987 Mauritania's diplomatic relations with China, first established in 1964, remained close. With one exception, every Mauritanian president has visited China. Taya's six-day visit, his first visit as Mauritanian head of state, took place in February 1986 and was followed by China's promises of increased aid. In addition to building a deep-water port for Nouakchott, China provided food, financial aid, and technical assistance in health care and agriculture. China also constructed a sports complex in the capital.

Mauritania established relations with the Soviet Union in 1965. In the mid-1980s, commercial ties between the two states remained negligible, as did commercial agreements with the Soviet Union's East European allies. Mauritania also maintained diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

Data as of June 1988