The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace this Wednesday.
With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just one month away—scheduled for May 11–12—this visit underscores a shared ambition to deepen political, cultural, and economic ties between France and Mauritania.
Upon arrival, the two leaders addressed the press together.
Watch the joint statement:
15 April 2026 – Only the spoken word is authoritative
Joint press statement during the state visit of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, dear friends—welcome.
Thank you all for being here today.
President El Ghazouani, my dear friend and brother,
It is a true honor for France to welcome you for this state visit to Paris. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clear-sightedness in a rapidly changing 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 cornerstone of France’s partnership in Africa. This partnership is rooted in your nation’s geography—bridging the Arab world and Sub-Saharan Africa—and in the choices you uphold: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. It is also reflected in Mauritania’s pivotal role within a Sahel region facing deep instability.
In this context, Mauritania proves that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but essential. Facing crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures seeking to undermine states, we have made a shared commitment: to partnership, respect for sovereignty, and joint action in support of regional efforts to prevent further destabilization.
In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France advocate for a rules-based international order grounded in cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania holds a vital place in this vision, its voice resonating across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums—particularly within the Francophonie.
Our nations align closely on today’s greatest challenges: climate action, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to reshape global economic imbalances to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic relationship must deliver tangible results, which is why we are reinforcing our economic partnership.
Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French companies are already making their mark, creating jobs and investing in your future. Meridiam’s $155 million investment in Nouakchott’s new container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, is just one example. Nearly 40 French firms already employ over 2,000 Mauritanians. But we aim higher—faster, more structured growth. This state visit embodies that ambition.
Together, we are focusing on infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and the cities of tomorrow. Our shared responsibility? To foster job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of young people. I am pleased to highlight a project by the French company Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million initiative to hybridize ten thermal power plants will strengthen the country’s energy resilience.
At a time when international withdrawal and self-interest are on the rise, France chooses solidarity through investment. While some partners have scaled back cooperation in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is especially visible in our support for Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in the east of the country—a testament to your nation’s sense of duty.
The message is clear: in the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will remain present—through businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit is also reflected in the upcoming business forum you will launch.
Finally, your visit to Brest to discuss the blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, illustrate a broader vision: to fundamentally rebuild the relationship between our two countries and between France and Africa. A relationship centered on investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—one that fully embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.
We share a historic responsibility: not to passively endure global shifts, but to actively shape them. Mauritania and France are determined to meet this challenge together. Over the years, we have grown to know and respect one another. I have witnessed your unwavering determination and courage in difficult times. It is an honor to welcome you today for this state visit, alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation, my dear friend, President El Ghazouani.
President El Ghazouani, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Thank you.
The two leaders then held a private bilateral meeting to discuss key regional and international issues.
In the evening, a state dinner was held at the Élysée Palace.