What is the history of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and the U.S.?
The American Embassy in Nouakchott opened in 1961, shortly after Mauritania obtained its independence. It was closed in June 1967 when diplomatic relations were broken in the wake of the six-day Arab-Israeli War and was reopened in 1970. The United States and Mauritania have continuously maintained relations since then. Chiefs of Mission and their terms: Ambassador Henry S. Villard, November 1960 – April 1961 Ambassador Philip M. Kaiser, June 1961 – May 1962 Chargé William L. Eagleton, Jr., June 1962 – August 1964 Ambassador Geoffrey W. Lewis, March 1965 – June 1967 Chargé Robert A. Stein, March 1970 – October 1971 Ambassador Richard W. Murphy, November 1971 – June 1974 Ambassador Holsey G. Handyside, April 1975 – December 1977 Ambassador E. Gregory Kryze, December 1977 – June 1980 Ambassador Edward L. Peck, January 1983 – July 1985 Ambassador Robert Pugh, August 1985 – July 1988 Ambassador William H. Twaddell, October 1988 – July 1991 Ambassador Gordon S. Brown, August 1991 – August 1
