"I talked with His Excellency Mr Uchida Tatsukuni Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary about his duty to spread the word for culture and sport, in particular judo, to the people of Mauritania,” said Mr Foloko.

"I introduced the Zambian model where the people and government of Japan have contributed immensely to the development of the idea of a just society through the teachings of judo,” he added.

His Excellency was very happy to see that Mauritania was invited to the table by a high ranking official of the Africa Judo Union, who is also an executive member of ANOCA. The Ambassador also accepted Mr Foloko's proposal to use JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to help facilitate the material and technical support for Mauritania Judo.

After that first meeting, Mauritania Judo Federation President, Mr Salem Abeidna and Karate Federation President, Mr Mohamed Tleimidi, welcomed Mr Foloko in his position as AJU Vice President and ANOCA executive member. President Abeidna, who doubles as Mauritania NOC General Secretary, presented the challenges faced by the judo federation, which include inadequate training facilities, judogi, tatami and technical officials. Foloko thanked the team for their resilience and determination to grow the sport of judo.

Mr Foloko explained that both the IJF President Mr Marius Vizer and AJU President Mr Siteny Randrianasolo-Niaiko are determined to ensure that all countries on the continent use judo as an educational tool to be used in search of peace. He assured Mr Abeidna of the support from the AJU and mentioned that the Mauritania Vice President, Mrs Diakhare Rousa, is already serving as a member of the AJU Gender Commission.

Following those important meetings, there is no doubt that a crucial step has been taken and that judo in Mauritania is on the right track.