Ladies and Gentlemen, in your ranks and capacities, dear friends, please be seated.
Thank you all for being here.
Mr. President, my dear brother,

It is an honor for France to welcome you to Paris for this State visit. Your presence sends a powerful signal—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 time when our shared responsibilities have never been greater.

Mauritania stands as a key partner for France—geographically, at the crossroads of the Arab world and Africa; by choice, through your leadership in stability, dialogue, and sovereignty; and strategically, given your role in a Sahelian region facing profound instability.

In this context, Mauritania demonstrates that a path of strategic independence and responsibility is not only possible but necessary. Faced with crises, terrorism, trafficking, and external influences seeking to destabilize states, we share a common vision: partnership, respect for sovereignty, and a united front to support regional efforts and prevent further destabilization.

In a world marked by resurgent power struggles and challenges to multilateralism, Mauritania and France champion a clear path—one rooted in rules, 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 La Francophonie.

Our positions align on major global challenges: climate action, ocean preservation, food security, and the need to rebalance global economic systems to give Africa its rightful place. This strategic partnership must yield tangible results, which is why we are reinforcing our economic collaboration.

Mauritania today is a land of opportunity. French businesses are already active here, creating jobs and investing. Take Meridiam’s project, for instance, which invested €155 million in building Nouakchott’s container terminal and employs nearly 350 Mauritanians. Or the 40-plus French companies already operating in Mauritania, providing jobs for over 2,000 Mauritanian men and women. But we aim higher, faster, and more strategically—and this State visit reflects that ambition. In infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, and the cities of tomorrow, we share a responsibility: to foster job-creating economies that meet the aspirations of our youth.

I am particularly 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, the hybridization of ten thermal power plants, funded with nearly €40 million, will help build a more sustainable and resilient electricity grid.

Amidst a trend of international disengagement and isolationism, France remains committed to solidarity-driven investments. While some historic partners have withdrawn their cooperation agencies in recent years, we have doubled our project portfolio—particularly 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 this places on your country and commend your sense of responsibility.

The message is clear: In the face of global and regional imbalances, Mauritania is not alone. France will continue to stand by your side—through our businesses, financing, and development tools. This spirit also guides the upcoming business forum you will inaugurate.

Finally, Mr. President, your visit to Brest to address blue economy and maritime security, and our upcoming meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, reflect a broader ambition: to fundamentally reinvent the relationship between our two countries and between France and Africa as a whole. A partnership driven by investment, innovation, youth, and civil society—one that embraces its political, economic, and strategic dimensions.

We bear a historic responsibility: not to passively endure global realignments but to shape them proactively. Our two nations are determined to do this together. Over the years, we have grown to know and respect each other. I have witnessed your unwavering determination, even in the most difficult moments, and I am proud to welcome you today for this State visit alongside Madame la Première Dame, your ministers, and your delegation, my dear friend, Mr. President.

Mr. President, thank you for your trust, for the friendship you extend to France, and for the new chapter we are writing together. Thank you, Mr. President.