The President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, embarked on a state visit to France this week, marking the first high-level meeting between the two nations in over three decades. The visit, hosted at the Palais de l’Élysée in Paris, underscored the deepening partnership between Mauritania and France across political, economic, and strategic domains.
With the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just weeks away, this visit highlighted the renewed commitment to fostering collaboration between France and Africa. Upon his arrival, President El Ghazouani and his French counterpart held a joint press conference, addressing key regional and international issues.
Key discussions and commitments
During the visit, both leaders engaged in bilateral talks, focusing on regional stability, economic cooperation, and shared challenges in the Sahel. The evening concluded with a formal state dinner at the Palais de l’Élysée, further solidifying diplomatic ties.
A partnership rooted in shared values
The French President welcomed President El Ghazouani, emphasizing Mauritania’s pivotal role in the region. “Mauritania stands at a critical crossroads, bridging the Arab world and Africa while championing stability, dialogue, and sovereignty,” he noted. He praised Mauritania’s strategic approach to regional challenges, particularly in countering terrorism, illicit trafficking, and external influences that threaten state resilience.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of multilateralism and rule-based international order. “In an era of shifting global dynamics, Mauritania and France are committed to a partnership built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared responsibility,” the French President stated. He acknowledged Mauritania’s influential voice in African, Arab, and international forums, including the Francophonie.
Economic collaboration and investment
The visit served as a platform to strengthen economic ties, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development and job creation. “Mauritania is a land of opportunity,” the French President remarked, pointing to existing investments by French firms that have generated thousands of jobs.
Notable projects include:
- A €155 million investment by Meridiam in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians.
- The deployment of 40 French companies, providing over 2,000 jobs for Mauritanian citizens.
- A 50% increase in water production capacity for Nouakchott, backed by a French Treasury loan to the Razel-Bec project.
- The hybridisation of 10 thermal power plants with a €40 million investment, enhancing energy resilience.
The French President also commended Mauritania’s humanitarian efforts, noting its hosting of over 300,000 refugees from neighboring countries. “Your country’s generosity and responsibility deserve recognition,” he said, emphasizing France’s continued support through development tools like the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Looking ahead: a future-oriented partnership
The visit culminated in discussions about upcoming initiatives, including Mauritania’s upcoming business forum and the Africa Forward Summit, where leaders will explore deeper economic integration, innovation, and youth engagement. “This partnership is not just about addressing today’s challenges but building a future where both nations thrive together,” the French President concluded.
The visit concluded with a renewed sense of optimism, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic, forward-looking alliance.
