The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace this Wednesday for an official state visit. This historic meeting marks the first high-level visit between the two nations in over three decades.
With the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just a month away, the visit underscores a renewed commitment to deepening political, cultural, and economic ties between France and Mauritania. Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the press, setting the stage for substantive discussions.
Joint statements highlight shared vision
During the visit, the two heads of state held bilateral talks, focusing on regional stability, security challenges, and economic collaboration. The evening concluded with a state dinner at the Élysée Palace, symbolizing the warmth and importance of the diplomatic ties.
Mauritania’s strategic role in a shifting world
In his address, the French President emphasized Mauritania’s pivotal position at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa, praising its commitment to stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. He commended the Mauritanian leader’s efforts in navigating the complexities of the Sahel region, where external pressures threaten regional security.
“This visit sends a clear signal of friendship, trust, and shared responsibility in an evolving global landscape,” he stated. Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to multilateralism, mutual respect, and a rules-based international order, positioning Mauritania as a key voice in African and Arab affairs.
Economic cooperation takes center stage
The visit also highlighted concrete steps to bolster economic ties. French investments in Mauritania are already making an impact, with companies like Meridiam contributing to infrastructure development through a €155 million investment in the Nouakchott container terminal, creating jobs for nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French firms employ over 2,000 Mauritanian workers, fostering local talent and economic growth.
New initiatives were announced to accelerate development in critical sectors. A French-backed project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, will boost Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Additionally, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants aims to create a more sustainable and resilient energy grid for the country.
Solidarity in times of global challenges
Amidst a backdrop of international disengagement, France reaffirmed its commitment to solidarity-driven investments. Despite some partners reducing their cooperation agencies in the region, France has doubled its project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, primarily through the French Development Agency (AFD). This support extends to Mauritania’s remarkable efforts in hosting over 300,000 refugees from neighboring countries, a testament to the nation’s humanitarian leadership.
“Mauritania is not alone in facing global and regional imbalances,” the French President declared. “France stands with Mauritania through investments, financing, and development tools, reinforcing our shared ambition for a resilient future.”
Looking ahead: a strategic partnership for the future
The visit concluded with a forward-looking vision for Franco-Mauritanian relations. The Mauritanian President’s upcoming visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security, followed by the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, reflects a broader ambition to redefine the relationship between France and Africa. This partnership prioritizes investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement.
“Together, we have a historic responsibility to shape the world, not merely adapt to it,” the French President concluded. “Our shared journey is built on trust, friendship, and a determination to write new chapters in our bilateral and continental history.”
