Mauritanian president’s state visit to France strengthens bilateral ties

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests, thank you for being here.
Mr. President, my dear friend,

It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this State visit. Your presence sends a message—a message of friendship, trust, and clarity 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 is a key partner for France—by its geography, bridging the Arab world and Africa, by its choices for stability, dialogue, and sovereignty, and by its role in a Sahel region facing severe instability.

In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is possible. I wish to salute your efforts, Mr. President, in addressing crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences that threaten state stability. Together, we uphold the values of partnership, sovereignty, and collective action to prevent further destabilization in the region.

In a world marked by shifting power dynamics and challenges to multilateralism, Mauritania and France champion a clear vision: an international order founded on rules, cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania holds a vital place in this vision—in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global forums like La Francophonie. We align on critical challenges: climate action, ocean preservation, food security, and reshaping global economic balances to empower Africa.

This strategic relationship must yield tangible results. That is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership. Mauritania today stands as a land of opportunity. French businesses are already active here, creating jobs and investing. For instance, Meridiam invested €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians. Close to 40 French companies employ over 2,000 Mauritanians. But we aim higher—faster, more structured, and ambitious. This State visit embodies that goal.

In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable cities, we share a responsibility: fostering job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of youth. I am pleased to highlight a project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will strengthen the country’s energy resilience.

Amid global disengagement and inward-looking policies, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies, we have doubled our project portfolio in Mauritania through AFD. Our support is especially evident in Mauritania’s efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in the east. I commend your leadership and responsibility.

The message is clear: Mauritania is not alone. France stands by you through businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit guides the upcoming business forum you will launch.

Mr. President, your visit to Brest to discuss blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi at the Africa Forward Summit, reflect a broader ambition: redefining the relationship between our two nations and between France and Africa. A relationship rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—one that is unapologetically political, economic, and strategic.

We bear a historic responsibility—to shape, not merely endure, global transformations. Together, we will rise to this challenge. I have witnessed your determination and courage through difficult times, and I am proud to welcome you today with your delegation, dear friend.

Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for writing new chapters in our partnership. Thank you.