Africa-Press – Mauritius. A First Day Cover and Joint Stamp were unveiled, yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, in Port-Louis, to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first diplomatic relations between the Republic of Mauritius and the People’s Republic of China.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo; the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin; the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Mauritius, Mr Liying Zhu; the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, Mrs Xu Jinghu; and other eminent personalities were present on the occasion.
In his address, Minister Ganoo underscored that the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Mauritius and the People’s Republic of China is a momentous occasion adding that his Ministry has worked in collaboration with other Ministries and stakeholders from the private sector and civil society to elaborate a series of events to mark the occasion.
These include: the issuance of a commemorative stamp as well as commemorative envelopes; and a Souvenir magazine which traces the history of ties between Mauritius and the People’s Republic of China by the Chinese Embassy with the assistance of the civil society in Mauritius. This commemoration, he indicated, testifies the importance that our two countries attach to upholding this special relation.
On this score, he thanked the People’s Republic of China for its unflinching support whenever the country was in need, notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the decolonisation process of Mauritius at the United Nations, and during the conference of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.
For his part, Minister Balgobin highlighted that this golden anniversary is an opportunity to emphasise on the quality of the relations between the two countries and to enhance all aspects of it.
“Our diplomatic relations are characterised by deep understanding and mutual trust as we keep with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges to strengthen and expand our unique ties,” he pointed out.
Mr Balgobin stressed that the unveiling of this joint stamp and First Day Cover bears testimony to the high importance that the two countries attach to the historical milestone of their friendly relations.
“The stamp depicts the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex and the Great Wall of China which outlines the bilateral cooperation between our two countries while the First Day Cover portrays the development of Mauritius-China relations picturing the modern building at Jinfei,” he indicated.
Furthermore, he dwelt on the long-term collaboration that both countries share in various fields based on the principles of equality, trust, mutual support and mutual benefit including visits effected by respective leaders in 2018 in order to provide a new impetus for the development of Mauritius-China relations and charting new course for practical cooperation in various fields.
As for Minister Teeluck, he emphasised that the bilateral relationships that Mauritius and China share since long have strengthened throughout the years in fields such as trade, financial services, education, tourism and culture.
The Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, for her part, expressed satisfaction that the diplomatic relations between the two countries have evolved over the last 50 years in a sustainable and robust way and in favourable conditions.
Mrs Xu Jinghu further underlined that Mauritius and China have supported each other in the political field adding that the Chinese state has reiterated its support to the Republic of Mauritius as regards the decolonisation of Mauritius at the United Nations. In addition, she indicated that at the 26th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, China has spoken twice in favor of Mauritius.
“Both countries have always stood firmly on issues affecting our vital interests, and China expresses its high appreciation and sincere thanks for Mauritius’ energetic and valuable support in our cause for the complete reunification as regards the One China Principle,” Mrs Xu Jinghu stated.
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