Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and friends, welcome.
Thank you all for being here.
Mr. President, my dear friend,

France is honored to host you in Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in an 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 vital partner for France, not only for its geographical position bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for the values it upholds: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. It is equally crucial in a Sahel region grappling with deep instability.

In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is possible. I would like to commend your leadership, Mr. President, in addressing the challenges we face together—crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to undermine states. Our common choice is clear: partnership, respect for sovereignty, and collective action to support regional efforts in preventing further destabilization.

In a world where power dynamics are resurging and multilateralism is being questioned, Mauritania and France champion a vision of international order rooted in rules, cooperation, and mutual respect. Mauritania’s voice carries weight across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and international forums, including the Francophonie.

We align closely on pressing global issues, from climate change and ocean preservation to food security and the need to rebalance global economic structures to better integrate the African continent. This strategic relationship must yield tangible results, which is why we are strengthening our economic partnership.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already making an impact, creating jobs and investing. Meridiam’s €155 million investment in Nouakchott’s container terminal and the employment of nearly 350 Mauritanians exemplify this. Nearly 40 French companies already employ over 2,000 Mauritanians. But we aim to go further, faster, and more systematically. This state visit embodies that ambition.

In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable cities, we share a responsibility to foster job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of young people. I am particularly pleased to highlight a project by Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from France’s Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production capacity by 50%. Additionally, the hybridisation of ten thermal power plants, funded with nearly €40 million, will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Amid a global trend of withdrawal and isolationism, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While some partners have scaled back, we have doubled our project portfolio over the past two years, notably through the French Development Agency (AFD). This commitment is evident in our support for Mauritania’s remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees in its eastern regions. I deeply appreciate the burden your country bears and commend your sense of responsibility.

The message is straightforward. In the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by you through its businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit also guides the business forum you will open in the coming days.

Finally, Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, followed by our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, reflects a broader ambition: to fundamentally reshape the relationship between our countries and between France and Africa. This relationship is rooted in investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—fully embracing its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We share a historical responsibility: not to passively endure global shifts but to shape them. Our two nations are committed to doing so together. Over the years, we have come to know each other well. I have witnessed your determination and courage in the face of adversity, and I am proud to welcome you today for this state visit alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation.

Mr. President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for the new chapters we are writing together. Thank you very much.