The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, for a state visit at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday.
With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi approaching on May 11–12, a landmark event symbolizing renewed France-Africa partnerships, this visit underscores a shared commitment to deepen political, cultural, and economic bonds between the two nations.
Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the media.
Watch the joint statement:
Joint press statement during Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s state visit to France
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear friend,
It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity at a time of global transformation. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.
Mauritania stands as a key partner for France, not only for its geographic position bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for its unwavering commitment to stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a Sahel region grappling with instability, Mauritania demonstrates that strategic independence and responsible governance remain viable pathways forward. I want to commend, Mr. President, your leadership in navigating these challenges.
Together, we face terrorism, illicit trafficking, and external pressures seeking to destabilize states. Our response is rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and a shared determination to support regional efforts that prevent further disruption. In a world witnessing a resurgence of power struggles and challenges to multilateralism, Mauritania and France advocate for an international order built on rules, cooperation, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across 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 the need to restructure global economic balances to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must translate into tangible outcomes, which is why we are expanding our economic partnership.
Mauritania today offers vast opportunities. French businesses are already contributing, creating jobs and investing. Meridiam’s $155 million investment in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, exemplifies this. Nearly 40 French companies already provide over 2,000 jobs in Mauritania. 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: fostering job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of young people. I am pleased to note a French-backed project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, will boost Nouakchott’s water supply capacity by 50%. Additionally, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will enhance the country’s energy resilience.
At a time when international disengagement and isolationist tendencies prevail, France chooses solidarity-driven investments. While some partners have scaled back cooperation, we have doubled our project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, notably through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially evident in supporting Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. Your nation’s generosity deserves recognition.
The message is clear: Mauritania is not alone. France stands by its side through business, financing, and development tools. This spirit guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.
Mr. President, your visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming participation in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, reflect a broader ambition: to redefine France-Mauritania relations and, more broadly, France-Africa ties. These relationships must be anchored in investment, innovation, youth engagement, and civil society collaboration—political, economic, and strategic in nature.
We have a historic responsibility: not to passively observe global shifts but to actively shape them. Mauritania and France are committed to this path. Over the years, we have grown to know each other well. I have witnessed your resolve and courage in difficult moments. It is an honor to welcome you today for this state visit with Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and delegation, my dear friend, Mr. President.
Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for writing these new chapters together. Thank you, Mr. President.
