The President of the French Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace in Paris earlier this week.
At a pivotal moment, one month ahead of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, this state visit underscores a renewed commitment to deepen political, cultural, and economic collaboration between France and Mauritania. Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the press in a joint statement.
Joint press statement highlights
Key discussions and commitments
The two heads of state engaged in a bilateral meeting covering critical regional and international issues. Their discussions reflected a shared vision for stability, economic growth, and collective action in the face of global challenges.
That evening, a formal state dinner was held at the Élysée Palace, symbolizing the warmth and importance of this diplomatic engagement.
Strengthening strategic partnerships
President Macron opened his remarks by emphasizing the significance of this visit as the first of its kind in over three decades. “Your presence here sends a powerful signal of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly evolving world,” he stated.
He highlighted Mauritania’s pivotal role as a bridge between the Arab world and Africa, praising its commitment to stability, dialogue, and sovereignty amid regional instability. Mauritania stands as a model of strategic independence in the Sahel, actively countering terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures that threaten regional cohesion.
Shared global vision
Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to a rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, and mutual respect. President Macron acknowledged Mauritania’s influential voice in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums such as La Francophonie.
They also emphasized alignment on pressing global issues, including climate change, ocean conservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic structures to empower African nations.
Economic collaboration and investment
Mauritania was described as “a land of opportunity,” with French businesses already making substantial contributions. Investments in infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and urban development are driving job creation and economic resilience.
Notable projects include:
- Meridiam’s investment of €155 million in the Nouakchott container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians.
- 40 French companies operating in Mauritania, supporting over 2,000 local jobs.
- A Razel-Bec project, backed by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, set to increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%.
- The hybridization of ten thermal power plants, funded with €40 million, to build a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Solidarity and humanitarian commitment
Despite global trends toward isolationism, France has expanded its development portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This includes vital support for Mauritania’s efforts to host over 300,000 refugees along its eastern border.
“Your country bears a heavy burden with dignity,” President Macron expressed, commending Mauritania’s humanitarian leadership.
Looking ahead
This visit aligns with broader ambitions to redefine the France-Mauritania relationship—and the France-Africa partnership at large—focusing on investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement.
Upcoming engagements, including President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security, and the Nairobi Africa Forward Summit, will further solidify this forward-looking agenda.
In closing, President Macron praised President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s leadership and resilience, calling this moment “a new chapter in our shared history.”
Both leaders expressed pride in their strengthened alliance and the promise it holds for the future.
