The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace this Wednesday for a significant state visit.
With just one month remaining until the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11-12—a landmark event symbolizing renewed partnerships between France and Africa—this visit underscores the shared commitment to deepening political, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
Upon the Mauritania President’s arrival, both leaders addressed the media together.
Watch the joint statement:
Joint press statement from the state visit of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, and dear friends, welcome.
Thank you all for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear friend,
France is honored to host you in Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly evolving world. This visit marks the first of its kind in over three decades, arriving at a time when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.
Mauritania stands as a key partner for France, not only for its strategic location bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for the values it upholds: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a region as unstable as the Sahel, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only viable but essential.
Together, we confront crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures that threaten regional stability. Our choice is clear: partnership, mutual respect for sovereignty, and collective action to prevent further destabilization. In a world where power dynamics are shifting and multilateralism is under threat, Mauritania and France champion an international order founded on rules, cooperation, and balance. Mauritania’s voice matters—in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global institutions, including the Francophonie.
We align closely on major global challenges: climate change, ocean conservation, food security, and reshaping global economic balances to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must deliver tangible results, and that is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.
Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already investing, creating jobs, and driving progress. Meridiam’s €155 million investment in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, is a prime example. Close to 40 French companies already provide over 2,000 jobs for Mauritanian citizens. But we aim higher—faster, more structured progress. This state visit embodies that ambition.
In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and urban development, we share a responsibility: to foster an economy that generates jobs and meets the aspirations of young people. I am pleased to highlight a project by the French company Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will help build a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
At a time when some nations retreat from international cooperation, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While others have scaled back their cooperation agencies in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially evident in our support for Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. I deeply respect what this means for your country and commend your leadership.
The message is straightforward: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by you through investments, financing, and development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.
Your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security challenges—and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit—reflect a broader ambition: to redefine the relationship between our countries and between France and Africa as a whole. This relationship must be rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society, fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We have a historic responsibility: not to passively witness global changes but to actively shape them. Mauritania and France are committed to doing this together. Over the years, we have grown to know each other well. I have witnessed your determination, your courage in the toughest moments, and I am proud to welcome you today for this state visit alongside the First Lady, your ministers, and your delegation.
Mr. President, thank you for your trust, for the friendship you extend to France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Thank you very much.
