Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, and dear friends—thank you for being here.

Mr. President, my dear brother,

It is a true honor for France to host you in Paris for this State visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clear-sightedness 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 stands as a key partner for France—not only for its strategic location at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa, but also for the values it upholds: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. In a Sahel region facing severe destabilization, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of independent decision-making and responsibility is not only viable but essential.

Together, we face shared challenges: terrorism, illicit trafficking, and external influences seeking to undermine state sovereignty. Our response is built on partnership, mutual respect, and coordinated action to support regional stability. In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is under strain, Mauritania and France advocate for a rules-based international order grounded in cooperation and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and within international forums, including La Francophonie.

Our nations align closely on global priorities—climate action, ocean preservation, food security, and the urgent need to restructure global economic balances to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic partnership must translate into tangible outcomes, which is why we are reinforcing our economic collaboration.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making an impact, creating jobs and fostering growth. Take Meridiam’s investment of €155 million in Nouakchott’s container terminal, which has generated nearly 350 local jobs. Or the 40 French companies operating in Mauritania, employing over 2,000 Mauritanians. But we aim higher—faster, more structured, and with greater ambition. This State visit embodies that commitment.

From infrastructure and energy to water, agriculture, and urban development, we share a responsibility: to nurture an economy that creates jobs and meets the aspirations of young Mauritanians. I’m particularly pleased to highlight a project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water supply capacity by 50%. Similarly, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will strengthen Mauritania’s energy resilience.

Amid a tide of global disengagement and isolationism, France reaffirms its dedication to solidarity-driven investment. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies, we’ve doubled our project portfolio over the past two years, notably through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is exemplified by our support for Mauritania’s efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions—a burden your nation has shouldered with remarkable responsibility.

The message is clear: Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by your side—through business partnerships, financial support, and development tools. This is the spirit guiding the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.

Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming participation in the *Africa Forward* Summit in Nairobi, reflect a broader ambition: to redefine the France-Mauritania relationship—and the France-Africa partnership—as one rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society. A relationship that embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

History demands that we do not merely react to global shifts but actively shape them. Together, Mauritania and France are writing a new chapter—one built on trust, shared resolve, and the courage to confront challenges head-on. It is in this spirit that I welcome you today, alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation, my dear friend, Mr. President.

Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new pages we are creating together. Thank you, Mr. President.