Mauritanian president’s state visit to France strengthens bilateral ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, friends, welcome.

Thank you all for being here.

Mr. President, my dear friend,

It is an honor for France to welcome you to Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful signal—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly changing world. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes at a time when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.

Mauritania stands as a key partner for France—not only for its strategic location at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa but also for the principles you champion: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. It is also vital in a Sahel region grappling with profound instability.

In these challenging times, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only viable but essential. Mr. President, I want to commend your leadership in the face of crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to undermine states. Together, we have chosen a path of partnership, mutual respect for sovereignty, and collective action to support regional efforts in preventing further destabilization.

In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is under threat, Mauritania and France advocate for a rules-based international order founded on cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania holds a vital place in this vision—its voice resonates across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, including the Francophonie.

We share strong positions on critical global challenges: climate change, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic structures to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must translate into tangible outcomes, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making their mark, creating jobs and driving investment. Meridiam’s $155 million investment in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, is one such example. Close to 40 French companies already employ over 2,000 Mauritanian citizens. But we aim to do more—faster and with greater structure. This state visit reflects that ambition.

In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and urban development, we share a responsibility: to foster job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of young people. I am pleased to highlight a project by French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

At a time when international disengagement and self-interest are on the rise, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While some historic partners have scaled back their cooperation agencies in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is evident in our support for Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. Mr. President, I recognize the significance of this for your nation and commend your sense of responsibility.

The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by your side through its businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate in the coming days.

Finally, Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, reflect a broader ambition: to redefine the relationship between our countries and between France and the African continent. This partnership is rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We have a historic responsibility—not to passively endure global shifts but to shape them. Our two nations are determined to do this together. Over the years, we have grown to understand each other deeply. I have witnessed your unwavering determination and courage in the most difficult moments. It is an honor to welcome you today for this state visit, alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation, my dear friend, Mr. President.

Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for writing these new chapters with us. Thank you very much.