Mauritanian President’s state visit to France strengthens bilateral ties

The President of the French Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday, marking a historic moment in Franco-Mauritanian relations.

The visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, takes place just a month before the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, a platform symbolizing the renewed partnership between France and Africa. This state visit underscores a shared commitment to deepening political, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.

Upon his arrival, both leaders addressed the press, reaffirming their dedication to strengthening cooperation on regional security, economic development, and climate action.

Joint press statement highlights

In his address, the French President emphasized the strategic importance of Mauritania as a key partner in North-West Africa. He praised President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s leadership in promoting stability, dialogue, and sovereignty in a region facing severe challenges.

“This visit sends a powerful signal of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly evolving world,” he stated. “Mauritania stands as a beacon of responsible leadership amidst crises, terrorism, and external pressures.”

The French President also highlighted shared priorities, including climate resilience, ocean preservation, food security, and economic reform to foster greater African inclusion in global trade. He stressed the need for a rules-based international order and mutual respect in addressing global imbalances.

Economic and developmental cooperation

Mauritania is emerging as a land of opportunity, with French businesses already contributing significantly to its growth. Major projects include:

• Meridiam’s investment of €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians.
• 40 French companies operating in Mauritania, providing jobs for over 2,000 locals.
• Razel-Bec’s initiative, backed by a concessional loan, to boost Nouakchott’s water supply by 50%.
• Hybridization of ten thermal power plants, funded with €40 million, to enhance energy sustainability.

The French President also underscored France’s commitment to solidarity investments, noting a doubling of development projects in Mauritania despite global disengagement trends. A highlight is France’s support for Mauritania’s efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions.

Strategic vision for the future

The visit aligns with broader ambitions to reframe Franco-African relations, focusing on investment, innovation, and youth empowerment. President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s upcoming address in Brest on blue economy and maritime security, followed by the Nairobi summit, further illustrates this forward-looking agenda.

“Together, we must shape our shared future rather than succumb to global realignments,” the French President concluded. “Mauritania is not alone in facing these challenges, and France remains steadfast in its support.”

Later in the evening, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting, followed by an official dinner at the Élysée Palace, where discussions continued under the banner of strengthened cooperation.