The President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, was welcomed in Paris for a State visit by his French counterpart this Wednesday.
Ahead of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11-12, a landmark event symbolizing the renewed partnership between France and Africa, this visit underscores deepening political, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the press in a joint statement.
Watch the joint declaration
15 April 2026 — Official transcript only
Joint press statement: France and Mauritania reaffirm strategic partnership
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, dear friends, welcome.
Mr. President, my dear friend and brother,
It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this State visit. Your presence here 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—not only because of its strategic location at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa, but also due to the choices it has made: a commitment to stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Nowhere is this more evident than in its role within a Sahel region facing unprecedented instability.
In this context, Mauritania has shown that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but necessary. Faced with crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures seeking to undermine states, we have chosen a shared path: 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 under threat, Mauritania and France are championing a clear vision—one rooted in rules-based international order, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global forums, including within the Francophonie.
Our alignment extends to major global challenges: climate change, ocean conservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic structures to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must also deliver tangible results, which is why we are strengthening our economic partnership.
Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making an impact, creating jobs and driving investment. Meridiam’s €155 million investment in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, exemplifies this commitment. Nearly 40 French companies already employ over 2,000 Mauritanians, but we aim to go further, faster, and with greater structure. This State visit reflects that ambition.
In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, we share a common responsibility: fostering job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of young people. I welcome the French-Treasury-backed project by Razel-Bec, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Similarly, the €40 million hybridisation of ten thermal plants will build a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
At a time when global disengagement and isolationism are on the rise, France is doubling down on solidarity-driven investments. While some partners have scaled back cooperation in recent years, we have expanded our project portfolio—particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially visible in supporting Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. Your country’s generosity deserves recognition.
The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by you—through businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.
Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, followed by our joint participation in Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit, reflect a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our nations and between France and Africa. A relationship rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—one that embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We have a historic responsibility—not to passively endure global realignments but to shape them. Our two countries are committed to doing so together. Over the years, we have grown to know and respect one another. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today, along with Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and delegation.
Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Merci beaucoup.
Following the formalities, the two leaders engaged in a bilateral discussion covering regional and international priorities.
In the evening, a State dinner was held at the Élysée Palace.