State visit of mauritanian president to France highlights strategic partnership

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, I extend a warm welcome to all of you.

Mr. President, my dear friend, it is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this State visit. Your presence here sends a powerful signal—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a world undergoing profound transformation. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, arrives at a time when our shared responsibilities have never been more significant.

Mauritania stands as a key partner for France—not only because of its strategic position bridging the Arab world and Africa, but also due to the principles it upholds: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Above all, Mauritania plays a pivotal role in a Sahel region facing severe destabilization.

In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only viable but essential. Facing crises, terrorism, illicit trafficking, and external pressures aimed at weakening states, we have chosen a shared approach: partnership, respect for sovereignty, and collective action to support regional efforts in preventing further destabilization.

In an era marked by resurgent power struggles and challenges to multilateralism, Mauritania and France champion a clear vision—one rooted in rules-based international order, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global institutions, including the Francophonie.

Our nations align closely on major contemporary challenges—climate change, ocean conservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic structures to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must yield tangible results, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making an impact, creating jobs and investing in the country’s future. For example, Meridiam has invested €155 million in the construction of Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies currently operate in Mauritania, providing jobs for over 2,000 locals. Yet we aim to accelerate this momentum, with greater structure and ambition.

Our cooperation spans critical sectors: infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development. Together, we share a responsibility to foster job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of young Mauritanians. I am pleased to highlight a project led by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will increase water production capacity for Nouakchott by 50%. Additionally, the hybrid conversion of ten thermal power plants, financed with nearly €40 million, will enhance the resilience and sustainability of Mauritania’s electricity grid.

At a time when many nations are retreating from international commitments, France remains steadfast in its solidarity-driven investments. While some historical partners have downsized 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. I deeply appreciate the burden this places on your country and commend your leadership in addressing this humanitarian challenge.

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 our businesses, financial support, and development tools. This spirit is embodied in the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.

Mr. President, your visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security, followed by our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, reflects a broader ambition: to fundamentally redefine the relationship between our countries and between France and Africa. This relationship is rooted in investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement—fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We bear a historic responsibility: not to passively witness the reshaping of the world, but to actively shape it. Mauritania and France are committed to doing so together. Over the years, we have grown to know one another well. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today for this State visit alongside your delegation, including Madame la Première Dame and your ministers.

Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Thank you.