The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace in Paris for a state visit this Wednesday. This landmark meeting marks the first high-level exchange between the two nations in over three decades and underscores a renewed commitment to deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
Preparing the ground for Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit
With just one month remaining until the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11–12, this visit highlights France’s dedication to revitalizing its partnership with African nations. The two leaders addressed the press upon the Mauritanian President’s arrival, emphasizing the strategic importance of their discussions.
Key takeaways from the joint press conference
The French President opened the session with a warm welcome, acknowledging the significance of the visit as a symbol of friendship, trust, and shared vision in a rapidly evolving global landscape. He praised Mauritania’s role as a stabilizing force in a region facing severe security challenges, particularly in the Sahel.
El Ghazouani’s leadership was highlighted for promoting stability, dialogue, and sovereignty—a model that aligns with France’s own strategic priorities. The discussions also focused on tackling common threats, including terrorism, trafficking, and external interference, reinforcing a joint commitment to regional security and multilateral cooperation.
The leaders reaffirmed their dedication to upholding international rules, fostering mutual respect, and balancing global power dynamics. Mauritania’s influential voice in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums—especially within La Francophonie—was recognized as vital to shaping a fairer global order.
Economic cooperation takes center stage
The visit served as a platform to accelerate economic collaboration, with both nations stressing the need for tangible outcomes. Mauritania’s growing reputation as a land of opportunities was underscored by the presence of French businesses already making an impact. Notable examples include:
- Meridiam’s €155 million investment in the Nouakchott container terminal, creating nearly 350 jobs for Mauritanians.
- The contributions of 40 French companies, employing over 2,000 Mauritanians across various sectors.
To further strengthen ties, France and Mauritania outlined ambitious plans for infrastructure, energy, water management, agriculture, and sustainable urban development. A standout project involves Razel-Bec, a French firm set to boost Nouakchott’s water supply by 50% through a concessionary loan from the French Treasury. Additionally, €40 million has been allocated to hybridize ten thermal power plants, enhancing the country’s energy resilience.
Solidarity in action: supporting refugees and development
In a world where some partners are scaling back their engagement, France has doubled its development portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years—particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially evident in supporting Mauritania’s efforts to host over 300,000 refugees along its eastern borders, a testament to the country’s humanitarian spirit and leadership.
The French President emphasized that Mauritania is not alone in facing global and regional imbalances. France remains steadfast in its support through investments, financing, and development tools, aligning with the business forum scheduled to open in the coming days.
A vision for the future: blue economy and strategic alignment
President El Ghazouani’s visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security further illustrates the broader ambitions of this partnership. Alongside the upcoming Africa Forward Summit, these initiatives reflect a shared goal to redefine Franco-Mauritanian relations and, by extension, France’s ties with Africa. The focus is on investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement—anchoring the relationship in a political, economic, and strategic framework.
The leaders concluded the visit by reaffirming their determination to shape a future that reflects their shared values and responsibilities. With years of growing mutual understanding, this state visit symbolizes a new chapter in Franco-Mauritanian relations, built on trust, collaboration, and a forward-looking vision.
