French President welcomed Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday for a landmark state visit, marking the first such high-level exchange between the two nations in over three decades.
The timing couldn’t be more significant. With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi approaching in just a month, this diplomatic engagement underscores France’s renewed commitment to deepening ties with Mauritania across political, cultural, and economic spheres.
Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the press, setting the stage for substantive discussions on regional stability and shared global challenges. The visit culminated in a bilateral meeting followed by an official state dinner at the Élysée Palace, where strategic priorities were reaffirmed.
a partnership rooted in shared values and mutual respect
In a joint address, the French President highlighted Mauritania’s pivotal role as a stabilizing force in the Sahel region, praising its commitment to sovereignty, dialogue, and strategic independence amid escalating security threats. “The world is rapidly changing,” he noted, “and in these uncertain times, our shared responsibility has never been greater.”
He emphasized that Mauritania’s geographic position—bridging the Arab world and Africa—makes it an indispensable partner for France and the broader international community. “Your leadership in the face of terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures demonstrates a path of resilience that we wholeheartedly support,” he added.
strengthening economic and developmental cooperation
Beyond geopolitical alignment, the visit spotlighted concrete economic initiatives designed to foster job creation and sustainable growth in Mauritania. French investments are already making an impact:
- Meridiam has committed €155 million to Nouakchott’s new container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians.
- French firms have created over 2,000 jobs across 40 local enterprises.
- A Razel-Bec project, backed by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, will boost Nouakchott’s water supply capacity by 50%.
- Ten thermal power plants, co-financed with €40 million, are being modernized to enhance energy resilience.
“These investments are not just about infrastructure—they’re about people,” the French President stressed. “They reflect our shared vision for an economy that empowers youth and drives inclusive development.”
solidarity in times of global uncertainty
Amid a wave of international disengagement, France reaffirmed its dedication to solidarity-based partnerships. While other nations scale back cooperation, France has doubled its project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD).
A standout example: Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees along its eastern border. “Your country bears a heavy burden with dignity,” the President acknowledged, “and we stand with you.”
a forward-looking agenda: climate, security, and innovation
The discussions also touched on key global challenges, including climate change, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic power structures to better include Africa. Both leaders underscored the importance of multilateralism and rule-based international cooperation.
“The future of our relationship must be built on investment, innovation, and partnerships with civil society,” the French President said. He pointed to upcoming milestones, including the President of Mauritania’s visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security and the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where both nations will reinforce their strategic collaboration.
“We are not merely adapting to global shifts—we are shaping them together,” he concluded. “This visit is a testament to that shared ambition.”
key takeaways from the visit
- First high-level state visit in 30+ years between France and Mauritania.
- Emphasis on strategic autonomy, sovereignty, and regional stability.
- New economic projects worth hundreds of millions of euros to boost infrastructure, energy, and water sectors.
- France’s unwavering support for Mauritania’s refugee crisis response.
- Shared commitment to climate action, maritime security, and inclusive growth.
