Mauritania’s president wraps up landmark state visit to France

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests, thank you for being here.

Mr. President, my dear friend,

It is an honor for France to welcome you to 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 collective responsibilities have never been greater.

Mauritania stands as a key partner for France, not only for its strategic geography bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for the values it champions: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. It is further distinguished by its pivotal role in a Sahel region grappling with deep instability.

In this context, Mauritania has shown that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but essential. Faced with crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures seeking to undermine states, our two nations have chosen a shared path: one of partnership, respect for sovereignty, and collaborative action to support regional efforts in preventing further destabilization.

In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France advocate for a clear vision—one rooted in rules-based international order, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, including La Francophonie.

We align closely on pressing global challenges: climate change, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic structures to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must deliver tangible outcomes, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already contributing, creating jobs and investing. Meridiam’s $155 million investment in the Nouakchott container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, is a prime example. Close to 40 French companies already provide jobs for over 2,000 Mauritanian citizens. Yet we aim to go further, faster, and more strategically—this state visit embodies that ambition.

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

At a time when some international partners are retreating, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While others have closed cooperation agencies in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is evident in our support for Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. I deeply respect the burden this places on your nation and commend your leadership.

The message is clear: against global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will stand by your side through its businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.

Your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, followed by our participation in the Nairobi Africa Forward Summit, reflects a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our countries and between France and the African continent. A relationship defined by investment, innovation, youth engagement, and civil society empowerment—one that boldly embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We share a historic responsibility: not to be passive observers of global shifts but to actively shape them. Mauritania and France are determined to do this together. Over the years, we have grown to understand each other deeply. I have witnessed your unwavering determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today for this state visit with Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and delegation.

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