Mauritanian president’s state visit to strengthen France-Mauritania ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests, thank you for being here today.
President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, my dear friend,

It is a profound honor for France to host you in Paris for this historic state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly shifting world. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, arrives at a critical juncture when our shared responsibilities have never been more consequential.

Mauritania stands as a cornerstone of France’s diplomatic and strategic engagement. Its significance is rooted in geography—bridging the Arab world and Sub-Saharan Africa—its principled stance on stability, dialogue, and sovereignty, and its pivotal role in a Sahel region grappling with profound instability.

In these challenging times, Mauritania has charted a course of strategic independence and responsibility. I commend your leadership, President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, for navigating crises, combating terrorism, curbing illicit trafficking, and resisting external pressures that threaten state cohesion. Together, we uphold a shared vision: partnership, mutual respect, and coordinated action to safeguard regional stability.

In an era marked by resurgent power rivalries and eroding multilateralism, Mauritania and France champion a rules-based international order founded on cooperation, equity, and balanced engagement. Mauritania’s voice resonates across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums—particularly within the Francophonie—reinforcing its indispensable role on the global stage.

Our nations align closely on pressing global challenges: climate change, ocean preservation, food security, and the urgent need to recalibrate global economic structures to empower Africa. This strategic partnership must deliver tangible outcomes, which is why we are reinforcing our economic collaboration.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French enterprises are already making an impact—creating jobs, driving investment, and fostering growth. Meridiam’s €155 million investment in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, exemplifies this commitment. Around 40 French companies support over 2,000 local jobs. But we aim higher, faster, and with greater structure. This state visit embodies that ambition.

In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and urban development, we share a duty: to nurture a job-creating economy that meets the aspirations of young Mauritanians. I am particularly encouraged by a project led by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional French Treasury loan, which will boost Nouakchott’s water supply capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will build a more sustainable and resilient energy grid.

Amidst a tide of international disengagement and isolationist tendencies, France reaffirms its commitment to solidarity-driven investment. While others have retreated, we have expanded our cooperation portfolio—doubling our projects through the French Development Agency (AFD) in the past two years. Our solidarity 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 unwavering sense of duty.

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

Your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, followed by our participation in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, signals a broader ambition: to fundamentally reinvent the relationship between our two countries—and between France and Africa as a whole. A partnership rooted in investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement, firmly anchored in political, economic, and strategic cooperation.

We bear a historic responsibility: not to succumb to global realignments, but to shape them. Mauritania and France are ready to do so together. Over the years, we have grown to know and trust one another. I have witnessed your determination and courage during difficult moments, and I am proud to welcome you today—alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and delegation.

President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Merci beaucoup.