Mauritania’s president wraps up landmark state visit to France

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends—thank you for being here today.

Mr. President, my dear friend,

It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this historic state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly evolving world. This is the first visit of this level in over three decades, and it 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 because of the values it champions: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Above all, Mauritania plays a pivotal role in a Sahel region grappling with profound instability.

In these turbulent times, Mauritania has shown that an independent, responsible path is not only possible but necessary. I would like to commend you, Mr. President, for your leadership in the face of crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures that threaten to destabilize nations. Together, we have chosen a path of partnership, mutual respect, and collective action to support regional efforts and prevent further destabilization.

In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France stand together for a rules-based international order grounded in cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight—across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and in global forums, including within the Francophonie. Your leadership matters.

We share strong positions on today’s greatest challenges: climate change, ocean preservation, food security, and the urgent need to rebalance global economic systems to give Africa its rightful place. Our strategic partnership must deliver tangible results—and that’s why we are strengthening our economic ties.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already investing, creating jobs, and driving growth. Meridiam’s $155 million investment in Nouakchott’s new container terminal, which employs nearly 350 Mauritanians, is a prime example. Nearly 40 French companies already support over 2,000 local jobs. But we aim higher, faster, and with greater structure—this state visit reflects that ambition.

From infrastructure and energy to water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, our shared mission is clear: to foster an economy that creates jobs and meets the aspirations of young Mauritanians. I’m particularly pleased to highlight a project led by French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water supply capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will build a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Amid a global trend of withdrawal and isolationism, France is doubling down on solidarity-driven investments. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies, we’ve expanded our portfolio—especially through the French Development Agency (AFD). Our commitment is clear: supporting Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in the east. I deeply respect what this means for your country—and your leadership in this humanitarian challenge.

The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by you—through business partnerships, financial support, and development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will open in the coming days.

Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security—and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi at the Africa Forward Summit—reflect a broader ambition: to reimagine the relationship between our two countries and between France and Africa as a whole. One rooted in investment, innovation, youth engagement, and civil society. A partnership that is unapologetically political, economic, and strategic.

We have a historic responsibility—not to passively witness the world’s reshaping, but to actively shape it. Together, Mauritania and France are doing just that. Over the years, we’ve grown to know and respect each other. I’ve seen your resolve in the toughest moments, and I’m proud to welcome you today—alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation. Thank you for your trust, your friendship with France, and for writing this new chapter with us. Merci beaucoup.