The President of France welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the President of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace in Paris earlier this week. The visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, underscores a renewed commitment to deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
With the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on the horizon, this state visit aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the partnership between France and Africa. Upon arrival, both leaders addressed the media, emphasizing shared priorities and mutual commitments.
Key highlights from the joint press conference
Mauritania’s strategic role in the Sahel
In his address, the French President highlighted Mauritania’s pivotal role in the Sahel region, praising its leadership in promoting stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. He acknowledged the country’s efforts in countering terrorism, illicit trafficking, and external pressures that threaten regional security. The visit served as a testament to the resilience of Mauritania’s strategic independence amidst global instability.
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for a rules-based international order, grounded in cooperation, mutual respect, and balance. Mauritania’s influence extends across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, including the Francophonie, where its voice carries significant weight.
Economic and developmental cooperation
Mauritania stands out as a land of opportunities, attracting French investments that foster job creation and sustainable growth. Key initiatives include:
- Meridiam’s investment of €155 million in the Nouakchott container terminal, providing employment for nearly 350 Mauritanians.
- Nearly 40 French companies operating in Mauritania, employing over 2,000 locals.
- A French-funded project by Razel-Bec, leveraging a concessional loan from the French Treasury to boost Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%.
- The hybridization of ten thermal power plants with a €40 million investment, enhancing energy resilience.
The French President also underscored the importance of solidarity investments, noting a doubling of France’s project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years—despite global trends toward disengagement. This commitment is evident in supporting Mauritania’s efforts to host over 300,000 refugees, a humanitarian challenge the country has met with remarkable responsibility.
A shared vision for the future
The visit culminated in a bilateral discussion covering regional and international challenges, followed by a state dinner at the Élysée Palace. Looking ahead, the leaders emphasized the need to refound their relationship on investment, innovation, and youth empowerment. The upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi will further reinforce these goals, symbolizing a broader ambition to shape a dynamic and equitable partnership between France and Mauritania.
In closing, the French President expressed pride in welcoming President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, highlighting the courage and determination demonstrated in navigating Mauritania through challenging times. The visit marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, built on trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to shaping a stable and prosperous future.