French President welcomed Mauritania’s Head of State Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani at the Élysée Palace in Paris this Wednesday.
A month before the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, symbolizing renewed France-Africa partnerships, this state visit reflects the shared ambition to deepen political, cultural, and economic bonds between France and Mauritania.
At the Mauritania President’s arrival, both leaders addressed the media.
Watch the joint press conference:
Press statement from the French President on the occasion of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s state visit
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and friends, thank you for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear friend,
It is an honor for France to welcome you for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful signal—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in an era of global transformation. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, arrives at a critical juncture when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.
Mauritania stands as a key partner for France—not only for its strategic geography bridging the Arab world and Africa, but also for the values it champions: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Crucially, Mauritania plays a pivotal role in a Sahel region grappling with profound instability.
In these challenging times, Mauritania demonstrates that an alternative path exists—one of strategic independence and responsibility. I want to extend my deepest appreciation, Mr. President, for your leadership. Together, we confront crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to undermine regional stability. Our shared response? A commitment to partnership, mutual respect, and coordinated action to prevent further destabilization.
In a world where power dynamics are shifting and multilateralism is under strain, Mauritania and France advocate for a rules-based international order rooted in cooperation, reciprocity, and balance. Mauritania’s influence resonates across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums—including the Francophonie—reinforcing its vital voice on the global stage.
Our alignment extends beyond geopolitics. We share strong positions on climate action, ocean preservation, food security, and the urgent need to restructure global economic frameworks to better integrate Africa. This strategic partnership must translate into tangible outcomes, which is why we are prioritizing economic collaboration.
Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making their mark, creating jobs and driving investment. Take Meridiam, for instance, which invested €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies have established operations in Mauritania, supporting over 2,000 local jobs. But we aim higher, faster, and more systematically—and this state visit underscores that ambition.
In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, we share a common mission: fostering an economy that generates employment and meets the aspirations of young Mauritanian citizens. I’m particularly pleased to highlight a project by French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water supply capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will enhance the country’s energy resilience.
As global partners retreat and isolationist trends rise, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While others have scaled back 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. Your country’s generosity deserves recognition, Mr. President.
The message is clear: Mauritania is not alone in facing global and regional imbalances. France will continue to stand by your side—through business partnerships, financial support, and development initiatives. This spirit also defines the upcoming business forum you will open in the coming days.
Finally, Mr. President, your visit to Brest to discuss maritime security and the blue economy—and our upcoming rendezvous in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit—reflect a broader ambition: to fundamentally revitalize the relationship between our nations and between France and Africa. A relationship centered on investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement—one that embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We bear a historic responsibility: not merely to react to global realignments but to shape them proactively. Mauritania and France are determined to rise to this challenge. Over the years, we have grown to understand each other’s resolve, especially in moments of adversity. I have witnessed your unwavering dedication and courage firsthand, and it fills me with pride to welcome you today—alongside Madame the First Lady, your ministers, and delegation—for this state visit.
Mr. President, thank you for your trust, for your friendship toward France, and for the new chapter we are co-writing together. Thank you very much.
