Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, and dear friends, welcome.

President Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, my dear friend,

It is an honor for France to host you in Paris for this state visit. Your presence sends a powerful message—one of friendship, trust, and clarity in a rapidly evolving world. This visit, the first of its kind in over three decades, comes at a critical juncture when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.

Mauritania stands as a key partner for France—not only for its strategic location bridging the Arab world and Africa but also for the values you champion: stability, dialogue, and sovereignty. Its role in a Sahel region facing severe instability cannot be overstated.

In these turbulent times, Mauritania has shown that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but essential. I want to commend your leadership, President, in confronting crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external pressures that seek to undermine regional stability. Together, we have chosen a shared path—one rooted in partnership, mutual respect for sovereignty, and collective action to prevent further destabilization.

In a world where power dynamics are shifting and multilateralism is under threat, Mauritania and France stand for a rules-based international order grounded in cooperation, fairness, and balance. Mauritania’s voice carries weight—across Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and global institutions, including the Francophonie.

Our alignment extends to pressing global challenges: climate change, ocean conservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic structures to empower Africa. This strategic partnership must deliver tangible results, 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 investing in your future. Meridiam’s €155 million investment in the Nouakchott container terminal, employing nearly 350 Mauritanians, exemplifies this commitment. Close to 40 French companies already provide over 2,000 jobs in Mauritania, and we aim to accelerate this progress. This state visit is about turning ambition into action—through infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and sustainable urban development—to build an economy that works for your youth.

I’m particularly pleased to highlight a project by French firm Razel-Bec, supported by a concessional loan from the French Treasury, which will boost Nouakchott’s water production by 50%. Additionally, a €40 million investment to hybridize ten thermal power plants will strengthen the country’s energy resilience.

At a time when some nations retreat from global commitments, France remains steadfast in solidarity. While others have scaled back cooperation agencies, we’ve doubled our project portfolio in Mauritania over the past two years, notably through the French Development Agency (AFD). This support is especially visible in your remarkable efforts to host over 300,000 refugees along your eastern border—a testament to Mauritania’s generosity and responsibility.

The message is clear: Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by your side—through business, financing, development tools, and shared ambition. This aligns with the business forum you will launch in the coming days.

Your visit to Brest to discuss the blue economy and maritime security, followed by our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, reflects a broader vision: redefining the relationship between our nations and between France and Africa. This partnership is political, economic, and strategic—rooted in investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and civil society engagement.

Together, we bear a historic responsibility—not to be passive observers of global change but to shape it. Over the years, we’ve come to know each other well. I’ve witnessed your resolve and courage in difficult moments, and I am proud to welcome you today—alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and delegation.

President, thank you for your trust, your friendship toward France, and for writing these new pages in our shared history. Thank you.