The President of the French Republic welcomed the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, to the Élysée Palace in Paris this past Wednesday. This historic visit marks the first high-level state exchange between the two nations in over three decades.
With just weeks remaining until the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, scheduled for May 11-12, this meeting underscores France’s commitment to revitalizing its partnership with Mauritania across political, cultural, and economic domains.
key discussions and shared commitments
Upon arrival, the two leaders addressed the press, emphasizing the growing strategic importance of their bilateral relationship. The visit comes at a critical time, as both nations navigate evolving global dynamics and regional challenges in the Sahel.
strategic partnership in a shifting world order
In a joint press statement, the French President highlighted Mauritania’s pivotal role as a stabilizing force in West Africa. He praised President El Ghazouani’s leadership in promoting dialogue, sovereignty, and stability—a model that contrasts with the instability plaguing neighboring countries.
The statement underscored France’s recognition of Mauritania’s independent foreign policy, particularly in countering terrorism, illicit trafficking, and external influences that threaten regional security. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to multilateralism, rule-based international cooperation, and mutual respect, positioning their partnership as a counterbalance to global power struggles.
economic collaboration for shared prosperity
Mauritania was described as a land of opportunity, with French businesses already making significant investments. Key initiatives include:
- Meridiam’s €155 million investment in the Nouakchott container terminal, creating nearly 350 local jobs;
- Over 40 French companies employing more than 2,000 Mauritanian citizens;
- A Razel-Bec project, backed by a French Treasury concessional loan, aiming to increase Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%;
- The hybridation of ten thermal power plants with nearly €40 million in funding to enhance energy resilience.
These efforts align with the broader ambition to foster job-creating economic growth, particularly for the youth, and to address pressing challenges such as climate change, ocean preservation, and food security.
solidarity and humanitarian commitment
The French President commended Mauritania’s humanitarian efforts, notably its hosting of over 300,000 refugees in the eastern region. Despite international disengagement trends, France has doubled its development cooperation portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, primarily through the French Development Agency (AFD).
He reaffirmed France’s unwavering support, stating, “Mauritania is not alone in facing global and regional imbalances, and France will continue to stand by its side through investments, financing, and developmental tools.”
looking ahead: a renewed vision for the future
The visit also set the stage for future collaborations, including a high-level forum and President El Ghazouani’s upcoming participation in the Nairobi summit. The leaders emphasized a shared vision for a deeper, more dynamic relationship rooted in investment, innovation, and engagement with civil societies.
In his closing remarks, the French President expressed pride in welcoming his Mauritanian counterpart, lauding his resilience and vision. “Together, we are writing new pages in our partnership,” he concluded, underscoring the historical significance of this state visit.
