The President of the French Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday.
A month before the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11-12, symbolizing renewed France-Africa partnerships, this visit underscores the commitment to strengthening political, cultural, and economic bonds between the two nations.
Upon the Mauritanian President’s arrival, the two leaders addressed the press.
Watch the joint statement:
Press statement by the President of the French Republic on the occasion of the state visit of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and dear friends, I thank you all for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear brother,
France is honored to host you in Paris for this state visit. Your presence here 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, both geographically and strategically. Located at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa, Mauritania embodies stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a Sahel region grappling with deep instability, your nation demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but necessary.
Together, we confront common challenges: terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to destabilize states. Our shared choice is clear—partnership, respect for sovereignty, and collaborative action to support regional efforts and prevent further destabilization. In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France champion a rules-based international order founded on cooperation, mutual respect, and balance.
Your nation holds significant influence across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, including La Francophonie. We align closely on key global issues: climate action, ocean preservation, food security, and the urgent need to reshape global economic balances to give Africa its rightful place.
This strategic relationship must yield tangible results, which is why we are deepening our economic partnership. Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French companies are already investing, creating jobs, and driving growth. Meridiam, for instance, has invested €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French firms already provide over 2,000 jobs for Mauritanian citizens. But we aim to go further, faster, and more strategically.
In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable 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 the French company Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Additionally, the hybridization of ten thermal power plants, funded with nearly €40 million, will strengthen the country’s electricity grid, making it more sustainable and resilient.
Amidst global disengagement and rising isolationism, France reaffirms its commitment to solidarity-driven investments. While some partners have reduced their cooperation agencies in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially evident 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 sense of responsibility.
The message is unambiguous: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will remain present through its businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit also guides the business forum you will open in the coming days.
Your visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security, followed by our upcoming meeting in Nairobi at the Africa Forward Summit, reflects a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our two nations and between France and Africa. A relationship rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—one that is unapologetically political, economic, and strategic.
We share a historical responsibility: not to passively endure global realignments but to actively shape them. Together, Mauritania and France are writing a new chapter. I have witnessed your determination, 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, my dear friend, Mr. President.
Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new pages we are creating together. Thank you very much.