Mauritania’s president visits France to strengthen bilateral ties
The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace this Wednesday.
With just one month until the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11-12—a landmark event symbolizing renewed partnerships between France and Africa—this visit underscores the deepening commitment to strengthening political, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
Upon his arrival, the Mauritanian President and the French head of state addressed the media together.
Watch the joint statement:
Joint press statement during the state visit of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, dear friends, welcome.
Thank you all for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear brother,
It is an 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 a rapidly evolving world. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes at a critical juncture when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.
Mauritania holds a pivotal place in France’s strategic partnerships. Its significance lies in its unique geography, bridging the Arab world and Africa, as well as in the choices it champions: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Above all, Mauritania plays a crucial role in a Sahel region grappling with deep instability.
In these challenging times, Mauritania stands as a testament to the possibility of pursuing an independent, responsible path. I wish to sincerely commend your leadership, Mr. President. Together, we confront crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to undermine states. Our shared resolve is unwavering: to forge a partnership rooted in mutual respect, sovereignty, and collective action to prevent further destabilization in the region.
In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is under strain, Mauritania and France champion a vision of international order founded on rules, cooperation, and mutual balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global forums, including La Francophonie.
Our alignment extends to pressing global challenges such as climate change, ocean conservation, food security, and the urgent need to recalibrate global economic balances to empower the African continent. This strategic relationship must yield tangible outcomes, driving deeper economic collaboration.
Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French enterprises are already making their mark, creating jobs and fostering growth. Meridiam’s investment of €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, exemplifies this commitment. Similarly, nearly 40 French companies provide employment to over 2,000 Mauritanians. Yet, we aspire to do more, faster, and with greater structure—a key objective of this state visit.
From infrastructure and energy to water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development, our shared mission is to nurture an economy that generates jobs and meets the aspirations of the youth. I take pride in highlighting a project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will enhance Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Additionally, the hybridisation of ten thermal power plants, funded with nearly €40 million, will bolster a more resilient and sustainable electricity network.
Amidst a global trend of withdrawal and isolationism, France reaffirms its dedication to solidarity-driven investments. While others scale back, we have doubled our project portfolio over the past two years, particularly through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). This commitment is vividly reflected 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 nation and commend your leadership in this regard.
The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France stands by you through its businesses, investments, and development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.
Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, followed by our participation in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, underscores a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our countries and between France and Africa. This relationship must be anchored in investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement—firmly rooted in politics, economics, and strategy.
We share a historic responsibility: not to merely react to global shifts but to actively shape them. Our two nations are committed to this endeavor. Over the years, we have grown to know and trust each other. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the face of adversity, and it fills me with pride to welcome you today—alongside 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. Thank you, Mr. President.
