By IANS,
Port Luis : India and Mauritius have established a roadmap for consolidating and enhancing their “mutually beneficial” bilateral relations and taking them to “greater heights”, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said Tuesday.
On a three-day visit to the Indian Ocean island nation and the chief guest at its National Day celebrations Tuesday, Mukherjee also held discussions with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam as both the countries inked several agreements in various sectors.
“The prime minister and I have agreed to further enhance exchanges in the fields of health, higher education, information technology, science and technology, tourism, textiles, agro-processing, culture and legal cooperation,” Mukherjee said after meeting Ramgoolam.
“I am very happy to note that MoUs in health and medicine, tourism and cooperation as well as in the field of senior citizens and persons with disabilities have been signed today (Tuesday). I am positive that these agreements will further enhance the quality of our partnership and be of benefit to the people of India and Mauritius.”
“The discussions have established a firm roadmap for the consolidation and enhancement of their mutually beneficial bilateral relations.”
“Ours is a strategic partnership which has the well-being of our peoples at its core. I have invited Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to visit India on mutually convenient dates, which could be decided through diplomatic channels,” he said.
Mukherjee said his visit to Mauritius reaffirms “our commitment to take our relations to even greater heights”.
“We agree that there was untapped potential, particularly in the areas of trade and economic cooperation. The bilateral line of credit between the two sides must be used as a vehicle to upgrade our economic and commercial exchanges,” he said.
He said other potential areas for cooperation include exploration of marine resources, renewable energy and environment friendly technologies.
Mukherjee also thanked Mauritius for its valuable support on global issues of vital importance to India.
“Mauritius has been steadfast in its condemnation of international terrorism. India is also grateful to Mauritius for consistently supporting our rightful claim for permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council,” he said.
India assured its commitment towards the safety and security of Mauritius and said it will continue to work towards enhancing their cooperation in the security arena.
“Indian Naval ships will continue to undertake joint anti-piracy and surveillance exercises with their Mauritian counterparts to ensure maritime security in these waters,” Mukherjee added.