Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and the President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, each addressed the press, this evening, at the Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall in Port Louis, as part of the French President’s two-day official visit to Mauritius. President Macron’s visit precedes his onward diplomatic mission to South Africa for the G20 Summit.
In his address, Prime Minister Ramgoolam described the visit as a powerful reaffirmation of the deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between Mauritius and France. He noted that this is the first visit of a French President to Mauritius in 32 years and comes at a time of international instability that disproportionately affects Small Island Developing States. He expressed gratitude for France’s leadership—alongside Costa Rica—during the Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025, a meeting he described as crucial for countries facing growing threats to ocean protection.
The Prime Minister highlighted the longstanding friendship Mauritius has enjoyed with successive French leaders—from General de Gaulle to François Hollande—and praised France for its consistent support in Mauritius’ economic and social development since independence in 1968. He emphasised the special bond shared by the two nations, particularly through the French language, recalling that the Mauritian press—celebrating 252 years this year—remains predominantly francophone.
Dr Ramgoolam extended heartfelt thanks for France’s enduring support on the Chagos issue. He further outlined the topics discussed during a working session with President Macron, which included geopolitics, the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, maritime security, cooperation with Réunion Island, cross-border crime, and the status of Tromelin. He noted that both countries have signed agreements in areas such as the blue economy, energy transition, renewable energy, and sustainable water management.
He also acknowledged the important role of the private sector, citing partnership agreements between the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate and Moulin de la Concorde with InVivo for flour supply. The Prime Minister praised the exemplary partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is supporting projects on coastal resilience, biodiversity protection, creative industries, and peace and stability. He further commended the European Union for its ongoing contribution to development in the region.
Highlighting that Mauritius received 340,000 French tourists last year, Dr Ramgoolam described France as a key external market and underlined the significant presence of French companies in the financial services, tourism, industrial, and energy sectors. He also reiterated Mauritius’ commitment to working with the Indian Ocean Commission to promote regional peace and stability. He expressed hope for a swift return to democracy in Madagascar, noting that both leaders discussed the situation in the neighbouring country. He concluded by reaffirming the strong, enduring spirit of solidarity and the shared commitment to advancing the well-being of both nations.
In his statement, President Macron underscored the mutual respect that defines the relationship between Mauritius and France. He highlighted the linguistic, historical, and geographical bonds that unite the two countries while stressing the shared vision on major global challenges, including climate change, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions to trade, reaffirming France’s belief in multilateralism.
President Macron announced that several bilateral agreements will be signed during the visit, particularly in the fields of maritime security and ocean protection. He commended Mauritius for being among the first countries to sign the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty, calling it a historic milestone for marine conservation.
Education was also a key highlight, with the signing of the Déclaration d’intention commune on the development of bilingual francophone education and support for Mauritius’ language policy. The President added that agreements in energy and water sectors will allow AFD and Électricité de France (EDF) to bring technical expertise to both Mauritius and Rodrigues.
He furthermore welcomed new agreements in the sugar and flour sectors, describing them as essential to strengthening food security. Referring to the importance of innovation, President Macron noted his meeting with youth participating in the AI4GOOD regional competition at the Caudan Arts Centre earlier today. Regional issues, including Tromelin and the situation in Madagascar, were also at the forefront of discussions.
President Macron concluded by reaffirming France’s commitment to deepening the “special and essential relationship” that has long united the two nations.
Earlier today, President Macron paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharam Gokhool, where he was elevated to the rank of Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) by President Gokhool. He then proceeded to the Caudan Arts Centre where he met with Mauritian and French economic operators in the field of Artificial Intelligence and also visited the vessel ‘Plastic Odyssey’.
Afterwards, President Macron had a tête à tête with Prime Minister Ramgoolam at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis. He also had a working session at the Receptorium of the National Assembly.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
