The President of the French Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday for a historic State visit.
Just weeks before the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, this meeting underscores France’s commitment to deepening political, cultural, and economic cooperation with Mauritania. Upon his arrival, the two leaders addressed the press, setting the stage for substantive discussions.
Key highlights of the visit
The discussions covered critical regional and global challenges, reflecting both nations’ shared priorities. In the evening, a State dinner at the Élysée Palace brought together high-level delegations to celebrate the strengthening of ties.
A renewed partnership for stability and development
This visit marks the first high-level meeting between the two countries in over three decades, a testament to the evolving dynamics of their relationship. Mauritania’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa positions it as a vital partner in addressing regional instability, particularly in the Sahel.
President Macron highlighted Mauritania’s leadership in promoting stability, dialogue, and sovereignty, qualities that align closely with France’s vision for a rules-based international order. Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to combating terrorism, illicit trafficking, and external interference that threaten regional security.
The leaders emphasized the importance of multilateralism and cooperation, countering the global trend toward isolationism. Their shared commitment to climate action, ocean conservation, food security, and equitable economic global governance reflects a forward-looking agenda.
Economic collaboration: driving growth and opportunity
Mauritania is emerging as a hub of opportunity, with French businesses already playing a pivotal role in its development. Investments such as the €155 million terminal at the Port of Nouakchott, spearheaded by Meridiam, have created hundreds of jobs and bolstered infrastructure. Nearly 40 French companies now employ over 2,000 Mauritanians, a figure set to grow.
New initiatives will further strengthen ties:
- A €40 million project to hybridize ten thermal power plants, enhancing energy resilience;
- Razel-Bec’s water infrastructure development in Nouakchott, funded by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, increasing water supply by 50%.
These efforts align with France’s pledge to maintain solidarity-based investments, even as other partners scale back. The French Development Agency (AFD) has doubled its project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, supporting critical initiatives such as hosting over 300,000 refugees from neighboring regions.
A shared vision for the future
The visit also highlighted Mauritania’s role in advancing blue economy and maritime security, with President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s visit to Brest underscoring these priorities. Looking ahead, both nations will convene at the Africa Forward Summit, where they aim to redefine the France-Mauritania relationship—rooted in investment, innovation, and youth empowerment.
As President Macron noted, this visit is about more than diplomacy; it’s about writing a new chapter in bilateral relations, one that embraces shared responsibility and mutual growth. With Mauritania’s unwavering commitment to progress and France’s steadfast partnership, the future holds immense promise.
