Mauritanian president’s state visit to strengthen french-mauritanian ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, honored guests, and dear friends—thank you for being here today.
President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, my dear brother,

It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this State visit. Your presence sends a powerful signal—one of friendship, trust, and clear-sightedness in a rapidly evolving 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 bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for the values it champions: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a Sahel region facing profound instability, Mauritania demonstrates that an independent, responsible path is not only viable but essential.

Together, we confront shared challenges—crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures seeking to undermine state sovereignty. Our response is rooted in partnership, mutual respect for sovereignty, and coordinated action to prevent further destabilization. In a world where power dynamics are shifting and multilateralism is under strain, Mauritania and France stand for a rules-based international order grounded in cooperation, mutual respect, and balance.

The Mauritanian voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and in global forums, including the Francophonie. Our nations align closely on critical global issues—climate action, ocean conservation, food security, and the need to reform global economic structures to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic partnership must now deliver tangible results.

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 the Nouakchott container terminal, which employs nearly 350 Mauritanians, is a prime example. Close to 40 French companies already provide over 2,000 jobs for Mauritanian citizens. But we aim higher—faster, more structured progress. This State visit reflects that ambition.

In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, we share a collective responsibility: to foster an economy that generates jobs and meets the aspirations of young people. I am particularly pleased to highlight a project by the French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Additionally, the hybridisation of ten thermal power plants, funded with nearly €40 million, will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.

At a time when international disengagement and isolationist trends dominate, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investment. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies, we have doubled our project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially visible in supporting Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. I deeply appreciate the burden this places on your nation and commend your leadership.

The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will stand by you—through our businesses, our financing, and our development tools. This is the spirit guiding the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.

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 fundamentally reinvent the France-Mauritania relationship—and the relationship between France and Africa—into one defined by investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement. A relationship that fully embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We bear a historic responsibility—not to merely react to global shifts but to shape them. Both our nations are determined to do so together. Over the years, we have grown to know and respect each other. I have witnessed your resolve, your courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today—for this State visit, alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation.

President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for turning a new page in our shared history. Thank you very much.