France welcomed Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday for a state visit.
With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just one month away on May 11–12—a landmark event symbolizing renewed France-Africa partnerships—this visit underscores a shared commitment to deepen political, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the press.
Joint statement highlights
Joint press statement from the Élysée Palace on the occasion of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s state visit
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and dear friends, welcome.
Thank you all for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear brother,
It is a true honor for France to host you in Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clear-sightedness in an ever-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 due to its strategic location at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa, but also because of the choices you have made: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Above all, Mauritania plays a vital role in a Sahel region facing deep instability.
In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that even amid profound challenges, a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible—it is being pursued with determination. I commend your leadership, Mr. President, as together we confront crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures seeking to undermine regional stability. Our shared response is rooted in partnership, respect for sovereignty, and a unified commitment to supporting neighboring countries in their efforts to prevent further destabilization.
In a world where power dynamics are shifting and multilateralism is increasingly questioned, Mauritania and France champion a vision of international order founded on rules, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums—including within the Francophonie. Our nations align closely on major global challenges: climate action, ocean conservation, food security, and the urgent need to reform global economic balances to give Africa its rightful place.
This strategic partnership must translate into tangible outcomes, which is why we are reinforcing our economic ties. Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already contributing significantly—creating jobs and investing in key sectors. Meridiam, for instance, has invested €155 million in Nouakchott’s new container terminal, directly employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies currently operate in Mauritania, providing over 2,000 local jobs. Yet we aim to go further, faster, and with greater structure. That is the purpose of this state visit.
Together, we are prioritizing infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development—sectors critical to building an economy that generates jobs and meets the aspirations of young people. I am particularly pleased to highlight a project led by the French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment in hybridizing ten thermal power plants will help build a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
At a time when many nations are retreating from international cooperation, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investment. While some long-standing partners have downsized their development agencies over the past two years, we have doubled our project portfolio, notably 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. I deeply appreciate the burden this places on 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 stands with you—through its businesses, its financing, and its development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate in the coming days.
Finally, Mr. President, your recent visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security—and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit—reflect a broader ambition: to fundamentally reinvent the relationship between our two countries and between France and Africa as a whole. We are building a partnership rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—one that embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We share a historic responsibility: not to passively endure global shifts, but to actively shape them. Our two nations are determined to do so together. Over the years, we have grown to know one another well. I have witnessed your unwavering determination and courage in the most difficult moments. It is with great pride that I welcome you today—alongside 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.