The President of the French Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace this Wednesday.
April 15, 2026 – The spoken word takes precedence
Joint press statement during Mauritania’s state visit
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues and friends, thank you all for being here today.
Mr. President, my dear friend,
It is an honor for France to welcome you to Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clear-sightedness in a rapidly evolving world. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes at a time when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.
Mauritania stands as a key partner for France—through its strategic location bridging the Arab world and Africa, its steadfast commitment to stability and dialogue, and its pivotal role in a Sahel region facing severe destabilization. In these challenging times, Mauritania demonstrates that an independent, responsible path is not only possible but essential. I would like to take this opportunity to commend, Mr. President, your leadership in the face of crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures seeking to weaken states. Together, we have chosen a path of partnership, mutual respect, and collective action to support regional efforts in preventing further destabilization.
In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France champion a clear vision: an international order founded on rules, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania holds a significant place in this vision—its voice resonates across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, including La Francophonie.
Our nations share strong positions on contemporary global challenges: climate change, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to reform global economic balances to ensure Africa’s rightful place. This strategic relationship must translate into tangible outcomes, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.
Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making an impact, creating jobs and investing in the country. Meridiam’s €155 million investment in the Nouakchott container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, exemplifies this commitment. Approximately 40 French companies already provide employment for over 2,000 Mauritanian citizens. Yet we aim to accelerate progress, structuring our collaboration more effectively. This state visit embodies that ambition.
In 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 particularly pleased to highlight a project by the French company Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Additionally, the hybridisation of ten thermal power plants, backed by nearly €40 million, will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
At a time when international disengagement and isolationism are on the rise, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While some historic partners have scaled back their cooperation agencies over the past two 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 unwavering sense of responsibility.
The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by your side through its businesses, financing, and development tools. This is the spirit behind the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.
Finally, Mr. President, your recent visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security challenges, and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, reflect a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our two nations and between France and the African continent. This relationship must focus on investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We share a historic responsibility: not to merely react to global shifts, but to actively shape them. Mauritania and France are determined to do just that. Over the years, we have come to know each other well. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the most difficult moments. It is with great pride that I welcome you today for this state visit, accompanied by Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation, my dear friend, Mr. President.
Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Thank you very much.
The two leaders then engaged in a bilateral discussion covering major regional and international issues.
In the evening, a state dinner was held at the Élysée Palace.
