11 March 2026 | .
Your Excellency Dr the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius,
Mrs. Veena Ramgoolam, First Lady of the Republic of Mauritius,
It is a pleasure to be in Mauritius as Guest of Honour for the 58th anniversary of your independence. I extend my sincere thanks to the Prime Minister, the First Lady, the Government and the people of Mauritius for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to my delegation and me. I am equally grateful for the gracious manner in which you are hosting us this evening.
I am deeply honoured to receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K.). I accept this distinction with humility and gratitude, as a reflection of the close and valued ties between Mauritius and Seychelles.
From the moment of our arrival, we have been reminded of the natural affinity between our two island nations. Our shared history, Creole heritage and geographical proximity have created enduring bonds between our peoples, underscoring the depth of our connection.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tonight, we acknowledge the remarkable progress Mauritius has achieved since independence. High levels of human development, sustained economic transformation, strong institutions and a firm commitment to democracy and the rule of law reflect consistent leadership and national resolve.
Independence was secured through resolve and sacrifice. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation, laid the foundations of modern Mauritius, and his legacy continues to shape the country’s trajectory. It is notable that his son, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, now leads the nation, providing continuity and a clear focus on the well-being of the Mauritian people.
Seychelles stands alongside Mauritius as you advance your national development objectives. Our cooperation, grounded in shared heritage and common interests, is practical and forward-looking. It encompasses education, civil aviation, fisheries, maritime security, culture, trade and investment. The presence of Seychellois students in Mauritian institutions, regular administrative exchanges and the steady movement of our citizens demonstrate the substance of this engagement.
We intend to reinforce this collaboration further, including through the establishment of a resident diplomatic mission in Mauritius. A permanent presence will improve coordination, strengthen dialogue and enable more effective responses to evolving priorities.
This enhanced framework is particularly important in the context in which we operate. As small island states, we face common challenges, including climate change, maritime security risks and economic vulnerability. At the same time, there are tangible opportunities in the blue economy, digital innovation, sustainable tourism and regional cooperation. Through focused and coordinated action, we can mitigate risks and translate opportunity into meaningful outcomes for our peoples.
Ekselans,
Envite distenge,
An Zen sa lannen, Sesel ek Moris pou selebre 38 an depi ki nou de nasyon in etablir relasyon diplomatik. Sa pa zis en dat dan en liv listwar. I en rapel vivan ki nou bann zanset, nou kiltir, nou langaz ek nou valer in toultan mars ansanm. Nou relasyon in grandi lo fondasyon respe mityel, lo bann lyen istorik e kiltirel, lo nou proksimite zeografik, ki’n pas dan zenerasyon, e lo lafyerte ki nou partaze dan nou lidantite kreol.
Dan sa konteks, mon vizit isi i annan pour bi pou reafirm langazman Sesel pou travay ankor pli pros avek Moris, pou ranforsi sa lyen fraternel ki’n reziste letan e ki kontinyen vin pli for.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our engagement is anchored in mutual respect, shared priorities and a clear commitment to advancing the interests of our citizens. These foundations have sustained a steady and constructive relationship over time and will continue to guide its evolution.
On this occasion, I reaffirm the determination of the Government of Seychelles to deepen ties with Mauritius in a strategic and results-driven manner. Together, we seek to contribute to an Indian Ocean region that is stable, secure and economically resilient. By strengthening our cooperation, we reinforce not only our two nations, but also the wider region to which we belong.
May the friendship between Seychelles and Mauritius continue to grow in purpose and impact, delivering lasting benefits for future generations.
May I now invite you to join me in a toast:
To the good health and prosperity of Prime Minister Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius;
To the enduring friendship between Seychelles and Mauritius;
And to continued stability and progress in our region.
Thank you.
