French President welcomed His Excellency Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace in Paris this Wednesday.
With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just one month away—scheduled for May 11-12—this visit underscores the renewed commitment to strengthening political, cultural, and economic ties between France and Mauritania.
Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the press corps together.
Watch the joint statement
April 15, 2026
— Verbatim transcript
Joint press statement following the state visit of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear friend,
It is a profound honor for France to host you in Paris for this historic state visit. Your presence sends a clear message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a world undergoing rapid transformation. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes at a critical juncture when our shared responsibilities have never been more significant.
Mauritania stands as a cornerstone partner for France—not only for its strategic location bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for the values you champion: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a Sahel region grappling with instability, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only viable but essential.
In these challenging times, marked by shifting global power dynamics and the erosion of multilateralism, our two nations stand united in advocating for an international order rooted in rules, cooperation, and mutual respect. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global forums, including La Francophonie.
Our alignment extends beyond geopolitics. We share a vision on critical global challenges—climate change, ocean conservation, food security, and the need to restructure global economic balances to give Africa its rightful place. While this relationship is deeply political and strategic, it must also deliver tangible results, which is why we are strengthening 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 a prime example. Close to 40 French companies already provide employment for over 2,000 Mauritanian citizens. But we aim higher—faster, more structured progress. This state visit embodies that ambition.
From infrastructure and energy to water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, our joint mission is to foster a job-creating economy that meets the aspirations of young Mauritanians. I am particularly encouraged by a project led by Razel-Bec—a French firm supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury—that will boost Nouakchott’s water production by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will help build a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.
At a time when international disengagement and isolationist tendencies prevail, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies, we have doubled our project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, notably through the French Development Agency (AFD). Our support is especially visible in assisting Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. Your country shoulders a heavy but noble burden, and I commend your leadership.
The message is unequivocal: Mauritania is not alone in facing global and regional imbalances. France stands by your side—through our businesses, financing, and development tools. This commitment is reflected in the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.
Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security challenges, followed by our participation in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, signals a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our nations and between France and Africa. This partnership is rooted in investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society collaboration—fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We have a historic responsibility—not to passively observe the world’s reshaping but to actively shape it. Our two countries are determined to do so together. Over the years, we have grown to know and respect one another. I have witnessed your unwavering determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you, your First Lady, your ministers, and your delegation today.
Mr. President, thank you for your trust, for the friendship you extend to France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Thank you.
Following the press statement, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting to discuss key regional and international issues.
In the evening, a state dinner was held at the Élysée Palace.