Mauritanian president’s state visit to France strengthens bilateral ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, friends, welcome.

Thank you all for being here today.

Mr. President, dear brother,

It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful signal—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. This partnership is rooted in your nation’s unique position at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa. It is reinforced by the choices you uphold—choices for stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. And it is strengthened by Mauritania’s pivotal role in a Sahel region facing severe destabilization.

In these challenging times, Mauritania has shown that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but necessary. Mr. President, I want to sincerely commend your leadership. Together, we confront crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures aimed at undermining states. Our shared response? A commitment to partnership, respect for sovereignty, and a united effort to support regional stability.

In a world where power dynamics are shifting and multilateralism is under threat, Mauritania and France advocate for a rules-based international order founded on cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice matters—across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and within international forums such as La Francophonie.

Our alignment extends to critical global challenges: climate action, ocean conservation, food security, and the urgent need to reform global economic structures to ensure Africa’s rightful place. This strategic relationship must yield tangible results, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making an impact, creating jobs and driving investment. Meridiam, for example, has invested €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies already provide jobs for over 2,000 Mauritanians. But we aim higher—faster, more structured, and with greater ambition. This state visit reflects that intent.

In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and urban development, we share a common responsibility: to foster a job-creating economy that meets the aspirations of young Mauritanians. I am pleased to highlight a project by French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production by 50%. Similarly, €40 million has been allocated to hybridize ten thermal power plants, building a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

At a time when global disengagement and inward-looking policies prevail, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While some partners have scaled back cooperation in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio—particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is exemplified in our support for 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 leadership in this regard.

The message is clear: Mauritania is not alone in facing global and regional imbalances. France will continue to stand by you through business, financing, and development tools. This spirit is reflected in the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.

Mr. President, your visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, symbolize a broader ambition: to fundamentally redefine the relationship between our two 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 shifts but to shape them. Mauritania and France are ready to do just that. Over the years, we have grown to know and respect each other. I have witnessed your unwavering determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today—alongside the First Lady, your ministers, and your delegation.

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