French Embassy in Nouakchott Celebrates France’s National Day

The French Embassy hosted a reception this Tuesday evening at its headquarters in Nouakchott to celebrate the National Day of the French Republic.

Representing the government at the reception were Minsiters Mr. Mohamed Ould Mr. Mohamed Ould Soueidat, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad; Mr. Hanena Ould Sidi, Minister of Defense, Pensioners’ Affairs and Sons of Martyrs; Mr. Mr. Abdallahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development; Mr. Mr. Harouna Traoré, Chargé de Mission; and Ms. Hindo Aïnina, Advisor to the Prime Minister in charge of Political Affairs.

In a speech on the occasion, the French Ambassador to Mauritania, Emmanuel Besnier, affirmed that Mauritanian-French relations have seen remarkable progress in recent months, notably exemplified by the state visit of His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani to France last April. He noted that the visit reflected the deep understanding and convergence between the two countries on major international issues, as well as their shared commitment to the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and the defense of an international order that strengthens global governance and grants the African continent its rightful status on the international stage.

He added that Mauritania and France share a firm conviction in the need for collective action to address global challenges, foremost among which are climate change, ocean protection, and the achievement of sustainable development. In this context, he recalled His Excellency the President of the Republic’s participation in the “Africa Forward” summit, organized by France in partnership with Kenya in Nairobi, with broad participation from African leaders.

The French ambassador noted that the economic partnership between France and Mauritania is gaining momentum, supported by the presence of some thirty French companies that provide more than 2,000 direct jobs, and an annual trade volume of nearly 300 million euros. In this regard, he highlighted the role played by the French Development Agency through the implementation of dozens of development projects in Mauritania, with funding exceeding 400 million euros, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening vital sectors such as water, agriculture, and energy.

He reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Mauritania’s development efforts, its stability, and respect for its sovereignty, as a trusted partner in the region.

The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador in Charge of Mission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, Mr. El Hacen Ahmedou, the Ambassador and Director General of Bilateral Cooperation, Mr. Mohamed El Henchi El Ketab; the Ambassador and Director for Europe, Mr. Cheikh Abba Teyeb; a group of parliamentarians and leaders of political parties; members of the diplomatic corps; representatives of international organizations accredited to Mauritania; and prominent national figures.