Mauritius, 27 October 2016: President Danny Faure arrived in Mauritius yesterday afternoon. He was welcomed at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and other high dignitaries in the Mauritian Government.
Following his arrival, President Faure paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E Mrs Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, at State House, Le Réduit.
During their discussions, President Faure highlighted the excellent relationship that exists between the Governments of the two countries. He noted that the strong bilateral ties are underpinned by many commonalities, including shared culture and history, and most importantly as two island nations that sit in the same oceanic space.
In addition, the two Heads of State discussed common developmental challenges, such as the scourge of drugs and climate change.
President Gurib-Fakim continued by commending Seychelles for its support in the Chagos question, and voting for the UN Resolution passed on the 22 June 2017 requesting an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos archipelago from Mauritius in 1965.
She also acknowledged Seychelles’ achievements in the field of environmental conservation. She made particular reference to efforts in the protection of coral reefs. In the same context, she congratulated Seychelles for winning the awards for the Ocean Innovation Challenge 2017 and for taking on the Presidency of SIDS-DOCK following the UN Assembly in September 2017.
On his part, President Faure noted the various developmental successes of Mauritius and highlighted the geopolitical dynamics of the two countries in the Indian Ocean. He noted that by working together the two nations can make significant contributions internationally.
He also highlighted the many lessons that Seychelles stands to learn from Mauritius when the former takes up the presidency of IOC in 2018. The two leaders agreed that it is only through mutual efforts that the IOC can be strengthened.
Another issue raised in the discussions was the Joint Management of the Mascarene Plateau. Both leaders acknowledged that this joint venture is one that is truly exemplary and from which many nations of the world stands to learn many valuable lessons. They expressed their hope for the continued success of this mechanism.
Lastly, President Faure and President Gurib-Fakim, noted that there is a need for the two countries to work together in order to build up capacity in their respective countries.
During his visit President Faure will witness the signature of five Memoranda of Understanding, two of which will be for the recruitment of teachers and health professionals from Mauritius to Seychelles. Aside from filling the gap in the labour market in Seychelles, it would also provide the opportunity for Mauritian professionals to equip themselves with valuable experience.
In the evening, President Faure attended a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Jugnauth. Both leaders took the opportunity to commend the unbreakable friendship between the two nations and assure each other of continued support.
Editor’s Note:
President Faure’s State Visit follows the invitation extended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. The State Visit to Mauritius will be from 26 to 28 October 2017.
To view full photo gallery of the Mauritius State Visit please visit the State House Seychelles Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/StateHouseSey/