Mauritanian president’s state visit to Paris strengthens bilateral ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, friends, welcome.
Thank you all for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear friend,

France considers it a great honor to welcome you for this state visit to Paris. Your presence here sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clear-sightedness in an era of profound global transformation. This visit marks the first of its kind in over three decades, arriving at a moment when our shared responsibilities have never been more pressing.

Mauritania stands as a cornerstone partner for France. Its significance lies in its unique geography, straddling the Arab world and Africa, its principled choices favoring stability, dialogue, and sovereignty, and its pivotal role in a Sahel region grappling with instability. In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that strategic independence and responsible leadership are not only viable but essential when confronting these challenges. I wish to commend, Mr. President, your unwavering commitment to these principles.

In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is under threat, Mauritania and France champion a vision rooted in rules-based international order, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s influence resonates across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global forums—particularly within the Francophonie.

Our alignment extends to pressing global issues: climate action, ocean conservation, food security, and the urgent need to restructure global economic imbalances to ensure Africa’s rightful place. This strategic partnership must translate into tangible outcomes, driving our shared economic collaboration forward.

Mauritania today stands as a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making their mark, creating jobs and investing in the country. For instance, Meridiam has committed €155 million to build Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, while nearly 40 French companies support over 2,000 local jobs. Yet we aspire to do more—faster and more systematically. This state visit embodies that ambition. Together, we are focusing on critical sectors: infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development. Our shared mission? To foster job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of young Mauritanian generations.

I am particularly pleased to highlight a project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will boost 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 grid.

At a time when international disengagement and inward-looking policies prevail, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While some historic partners have scaled back their 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 appreciate the burden this places on your nation and commend your leadership in this regard.

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

Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, followed by our upcoming rendezvous in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, reflect a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our countries and between France and the African continent. This partnership is rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We bear a historic responsibility: not to be passive observers of global realignments but to actively shape them. Mauritania and France are poised to do just that. Over the years, we have grown to know each other well. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today for this state visit alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and delegation.

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