Mauritanian president’s state visit to strengthen french-mauritanian ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, dear friends,

Thank you all for being here. Mr. President, my dear friend,

It is an honor for France to welcome you to Paris for this State visit. Your presence here sends a clear signal—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly changing 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, not only because of its strategic geography bridging the Arab world and Africa, but also due to the choices it has made—choices rooted in stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Its role in a Sahel region facing profound instability cannot be overstated.

In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but essential. Mr. President, I want to sincerely commend your leadership in the face of crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to destabilize states. Together, we have chosen a path of partnership, respect for sovereignty, and collective action to support regional efforts in preventing further destabilization.

In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France advocate for a clear vision—one founded on rules, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania holds a vital place in this vision, both in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, including the Francophonie.

We share strong positions on contemporary challenges—climate change, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic systems to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must translate into tangible results, which is why we are strengthening our economic partnership.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already present, creating jobs and investing. Meridiam, for instance, has invested €155 million in the construction of Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies already provide jobs for over 2,000 Mauritanian citizens. But we aim to go further, faster, and more strategically—a key objective of this State visit.

In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, we share a responsibility to foster an economy that creates jobs and meets the aspirations of the youth. I am particularly pleased to highlight a project by the French company Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will increase water production capacity for Nouakchott by 50%. Similarly, the hybridization of ten thermal power plants, funded with nearly €40 million, will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

At a time when international disengagement and isolationism are on the rise, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While some partners have reduced their cooperation agencies in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio, 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. Mr. President, I deeply appreciate what this means for your country and commend your sense of responsibility.

The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by its side through its businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit is also reflected in the upcoming business forum you are set to inaugurate.

Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, exemplify a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our two countries and between France and the African continent. A relationship centered on investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—one that fully embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We share a historic responsibility: not to be passive in the face of global changes but to play an active role. We intend to do this together. Over the years, we have come to know each other well. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the most challenging moments. Today, I am proud to welcome you, along with Madame la Première dame, your ministers, and your delegation, for this State visit.

Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Thank you very much.