The President of France welcomed the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, for a state visit at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday, marking a historic moment in Franco-Mauritanian relations.
On the eve of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, this visit underscores a renewed commitment to deepening political, cultural, and economic cooperation between the two nations. Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the media, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic milestone.
Key moments of the visit
The discussions covered pressing regional and international issues, followed by an official dinner at the Élysée Palace, where the leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for stability and development in the Sahel.
Joint declaration highlights
The French President opened his remarks by expressing the honor of hosting his Mauritanian counterpart, emphasizing the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between France and Mauritania. He noted that this visit—the first of its kind in over three decades—comes at a critical juncture when global challenges demand collective action.
Mauritania’s role in regional stability was a central theme, with the French leader praising Mauritania’s commitment to sovereignty, dialogue, and resilience amid regional instability. He commended President El Ghazouani’s leadership in navigating complex security and economic pressures while maintaining an independent, forward-looking foreign policy.
The two nations reaffirmed their dedication to a rules-based international order, mutual respect, and balanced cooperation in key areas such as climate action, maritime security, and food sovereignty. Their shared stance on global economic reform was also emphasized, with a focus on amplifying Africa’s voice in shaping fairer trade and investment frameworks.
Economic partnership and development projects
Mauritania was described as a land of opportunity, with French businesses already contributing significantly to its growth. Examples cited included:
- Meridiam’s €155 million investment in the Nouakchott container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians.
- Over 40 French companies operating in Mauritania, supporting more than 2,000 local jobs.
- A French-backed project by Razel-Bec, funded by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, set to increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%.
- The hybridisation of ten thermal power plants with a €40 million investment, enhancing energy resilience.
The visit also reinforced France’s commitment to solidarity-driven investments, with the French Development Agency (AFD) doubling its project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years. This includes support for hosting over 300,000 refugees along Mauritania’s eastern border—a testament to the country’s humanitarian leadership.
Vision for the future
The leaders underscored their shared ambition to refound Franco-Mauritanian relations, aligning them with the priorities of innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement. The upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi was highlighted as a pivotal platform for advancing these goals, alongside President El Ghazouani’s recent visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security challenges.
In closing, the French President expressed pride in the strengthened ties between the two nations, celebrating the courage and determination demonstrated by President El Ghazouani in fostering progress for Mauritania and the broader Sahel region.
