11 March 2026 | .
Your Excellency, Dr the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be in Port Louis for this State Visit. My delegation and I thank the Government and people of Mauritius for the warm welcome extended to us. It reflects the close and longstanding ties between our two countries.
The Prime Minister and I last met in Victoria during my inauguration in October 2025, where we discussed advancing cooperation between Seychelles and Mauritius. I am pleased that we have continued those discussions today. Our exchanges were open, frank and constructive and wide-ranging, reaffirming our shared commitment to priorities that directly benefit our peoples.
I informed Prime Minister Ramgoolam of Seychelles’ decision to establish a resident diplomatic mission in Mauritius. This will strengthen coordination, deepen engagement and enhance our collaboration across key sectors.
Given Mauritius’ role in hosting the Indian Ocean Commission and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, we agreed that a stronger presence will enable Seychelles to contribute more effectively to regional priorities, including maritime security, climate resilience, regional integration and the sustainable management of ocean resources.
We discussed improving air connectivity and updating our Bilateral Air Services Agreement to reflect developments in global aviation and the evolving needs of tourism and trade.
Education and human resource development featured prominently. I expressed appreciation for Mauritius’ continued support to Seychellois students, including upcoming internship placements for students of the University of Seychelles.
We also explored the possibility of Mauritius sharing its experience in social protection, as Seychelles considers options to extend pension coverage to migrant workers.
Fisheries and the blue economy remain central to our economies. We welcomed progress under the Joint Management Area and reaffirmed our commitment to the sustainable management of shared marine resources.
As part of this commitment, I am pleased to note that Prime Minister Ramgoolam and I signed a Joint Declaration concerning the Sustainable Development of the Joint Management Area of the Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau Region, reinforcing our shared determination to manage our shared maritime zone responsibly, protect its ecosystems, and ensure the sustainable use of its resources.
We recognised the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, including our two heritage sites. Seychelles now marks 1 February as a public holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery, long observed in Mauritius. The twinning of these sites reflects our shared history and common values.
We exchanged views on regional matters, including issues relating to the Chagos and ongoing initiatives within the Indian Ocean Commission. We emphasised stability, transparency and constructive engagement as essential to peace and dialogue in our region. I raised the concerns of the Chagossian community in Seychelles and welcomed Mauritius’ assurances regarding equal treatment.
At the multilateral level, we discussed the need for accessible climate finance and the full operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. I reiterated Seychelles’ support for the implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to ensure fair access to concessional financing for Small Island Developing States.
We also explored further cooperation in tourism, trade and investment, as well as the exchange of expertise in financial services.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased that this visit has culminated in the signing of several important bilateral legal instruments that will guide the next phase of our relations. These cover several areas which include:
This visit has culminated in the signing of several bilateral instruments covering:
These instruments provide practical frameworks to strengthen our institutions and deepen collaboration in areas that directly affect our citizens, including education, health, culture, agriculture and fisheries.
Last but not least, with regard to the situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Ramgoolam and I expressed our serious concern about its impact on the global economy and the socio-economic consequences for our two island nations. Both Mauritius and Seychelles are highly vulnerable to external economic shocks, not least in relation to fuel and food imports, imports of pharmaceuticals, as well as tourism and air connectivity.
In this context, we examined measures to mitigate the effects of the conflict, including strengthened monitoring and operational preparedness to cushion its socio-economic impact, drawing on the valuable lessons and experience gained from the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance our resilience and crisis response. We also discussed arrangements for the evacuation of our citizens from affected areas, should circumstances require and permit.
Honourable Prime Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen,
This visit has laid the foundation for a stronger and more modern partnership, focused on practical outcomes and shared priorities.
I sincerely thank the Government and people of Mauritius for their hospitality, and the media for their continued engagement.
Thank you.
