By IANS,
Port Louis (Mauritius) : President Pratibha Patil Tuesday hailed the parliamentary institutions and electoral processes of Mauritius.
Adressing the National Assembly of Mauritius here, the visiting Indian president said: “Parliamentary institutions symbolise a national purpose, and are representative of the aspirations of the people. I congratulate Mauritius for the successful conduct of its electoral processes.”
Top leaders of Mauritius, including Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Speaker Rajkeswar Parryag and Leader of the Opposition Paul Raymond Berenger, were present on the occasion.
President Patil was accompanied by union Minister of Shipping G.K. Vasan and three other Indian parliamentarians.
“The democratic spirit that Mauritius has always believed in resonates in your august national ssembly, which is the citadel of democracy, freedom and justice. I congratulate Mauritius for holding aloft the torch of democracy with conviction,” the president said.
She said India and Mauritius were “determined to confront” terrorism and piracy through joint action.
“I would also like to say that India values the continued support given by Mauritius to India’s concerns and aspirations.
“India also appreciates the unswerving and consistent support of Mauritius to India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded United Nations Security Council,” she said.
President Patil arrived in Mauritius Sunday on a five-day visit.