The President of the Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace this Wednesday.
With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi approaching in just over a month—on May 11 and 12—this visit underscores France’s commitment to deepening political, cultural, and economic ties with Mauritania.
Upon the Mauritania President’s arrival, the two leaders addressed the press.
Watch the joint statement:
Joint press statement during the state visit of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, thank you for being here.
Mr. President, 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 clear-sightedness in a rapidly evolving world. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes at a time when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.
Mauritania stands as a key partner for France. Its significance lies in its geography, bridging the Arab world and Africa. It lies in the choices you make—the pursuit of stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. And it lies in your role within a Sahel region facing profound instability.
In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but essential. Facing crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to undermine states, we share a common vision: one of partnership, respect for sovereignty, and collective action to prevent further destabilization across the region.
In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is under threat, Mauritania and France champion a rules-based international order grounded in cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania holds a vital place in this vision—its voice resonates across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, particularly within the Francophonie.
We align closely on major global challenges: climate action, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic structures to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must yield tangible results, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.
Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already active here, creating jobs and investing. Meridiam’s $155 million investment in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, is a prime example. Close to 40 French companies already employ over 2,000 Mauritanians. Yet we aim higher, faster, and more strategically—this state visit embodies that ambition. In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, we share a responsibility: fostering job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of the youth. I am pleased to highlight a project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will boost water production capacity for Nouakchott by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million initiative to hybridize ten thermal power plants will strengthen a more sustainable and resilient energy grid.
At a time when international disengagement and isolationism are on the rise, France chooses not to retreat from solidarity-driven investments. While some long-standing partners have scaled back cooperation, we have doubled our project portfolio over the past two years, notably through AFD’s efforts. Our commitment is especially visible in supporting Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. I deeply appreciate the burden this places on your country and commend your leadership.
The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will remain engaged through its businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit also defines the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.
Finally, Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, followed by our upcoming meeting in Nairobi at the Africa Forward Summit, reflects a broader ambition: reshaping the relationship between our nations and between France and Africa. This relationship must prioritize investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We have a historic responsibility: not to passively endure global realignments but to actively shape them. Our two countries are committed to this goal. Over the years, we have grown to understand each other deeply. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today for this state visit, accompanied by Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your 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 very much.
