The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace on 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 a commitment to deepen political, cultural, and economic bonds between the two nations.
Upon the Mauritanian leader’s arrival, both presidents addressed the media.
Relive their joint statement:
15 April 2026
— Official transcript only
Joint press statement by the President of France and the President of Mauritania
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests, honored colleagues, thank you for being here.
President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, my dear friend,
It is an honor for France to host you for this State visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in an era of rapid global transformation. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes at a pivotal moment when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.
Mauritania stands as a key partner for France, not only for its strategic location bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for the values it champions: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a Sahel region grappling with instability, Mauritania has shown that resilience and independent strategic choices are not only possible but essential.
In these challenging times—marked by terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures seeking to destabilize nations—we stand united. Our common approach prioritizes partnership, respect for sovereignty, and coordinated action to prevent further regional disruption.
In a world where power dynamics are shifting and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France advocate for a rules-based international order founded on cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global forums, particularly within the Francophonie.
Our alignment extends beyond geopolitics. We share strong positions on critical global issues: 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 translate into tangible outcomes, 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. For instance, Meridiam has invested €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies already provide over 2,000 jobs for Mauritanian citizens. But we aim higher—faster, more structured growth.
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 French-backed project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will build a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
Even as international actors withdraw or retreat inward, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio, notably through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially evident in our support for Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. I deeply respect what this means for your nation and commend your leadership.
The message is clear: Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by your side—through 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 Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, reflects a broader vision: to redefine the relationship between our countries and between France and Africa as a whole. A relationship rooted in investment, innovation, youth engagement, and civil society—one that is unapologetically political, economic, and strategic.
We share a historic responsibility—not to passively endure global realignments but to shape them. Together, Mauritania and France are writing new chapters. I have witnessed your resolve in the toughest moments, and I am proud to welcome you today—alongside the First Lady, your ministers, and delegation.
President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new pages we are co-authoring. Thank you.
Following the formalities, the two leaders engaged in a bilateral discussion covering major regional and international topics.
In the evening, a State dinner was held at the Élysée Palace.
