Mauritanian president’s state visit to Paris strengthens bilateral ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, dear friends,

Thank you all for being here today.

Mr President, my dear friend,

It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this State visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly evolving world. This visit marks the first of its kind in over three decades, and it comes at a time when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.

Mauritania stands as a cornerstone partner for France, not only because of its strategic location bridging the Arab world and Africa, but also for the values it upholds: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a Sahel region facing profound instability, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only viable but essential.

In these challenging times, marked by shifting global power dynamics and the erosion of multilateralism, Mauritania and France are championing a vision rooted in rules-based international order, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight—across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and within global institutions, not least among Francophone nations.

Our two nations share strong stances on pressing global challenges: climate action, ocean conservation, food security, and the urgent need to rebalance global economic structures to better integrate the African continent. This strategic relationship must now translate into tangible outcomes, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.

Today, Mauritania represents a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making their mark, creating jobs and driving investment. For instance, Meridiam has committed €155 million to build Nouakchott’s new container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies—together employing over 2,000 Mauritanians—are already active here. But we aim to go further, faster, and with greater structure. This State visit embodies that ambition.

In key sectors like 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 project by the French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will increase water production by 50% to supply Nouakchott. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will help build a more sustainable and resilient electricity grid.

At a moment when many global actors are turning inward, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investment. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies in the past two years, we have doubled our project portfolio—particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially visible 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.

The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by you through business partnerships, financial support, and development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.

Mr President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security—and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit—reflect a broader ambition: to fundamentally renew the relationship between our two countries and between France and the African continent. A relationship rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society. One that fully embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We share a historic responsibility: not to passively endure global realignments, but to shape them together. Both our nations are determined to do so. Over the years, we have grown to know and trust one another. I have witnessed your resolve and courage in the most difficult moments. It is with great pride that I welcome you today for this State visit, alongside the First Lady, your ministers, and your delegation.

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