Mauritius, which has neither land, sea, nor air armed forces, can count on friendly countries such as India for its security. The assurance was given by Indian President Pratibha Patil who is on a five-day state visit here. Aware that piracy in the Indian Ocean has adverse impact on countries in the region, she said [...]

Mauritius, which has neither land, sea, nor air armed forces, can count on friendly countries such as India for its security. The assurance was given by Indian President Pratibha Patil who is on a five-day state visit here.

Aware that piracy in the Indian Ocean has adverse impact on countries in the region, she said that her country was deeply committed to the security of Mauritius and its people.

“We are determined to work with the government of Mauritius in enhancing the security of its people through concrete measures,” she said. She was addressing a joint press meeting on Monday at Clarisse House, the official residence of the Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam in Vacoas.

Ramgoolam, saluting the Indian President, said Mauritius was singularly honoured by her visit, one which is a landmark in bilateral relations. He said they had concluded discussions on issues of common interest. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitments “to take relations to new heights”.

While expressing satisfaction with the meetings she had had with the President Sir Anerood Jugnauth in the morning and then later with the Prime Minister, the Indian President said considerable opportunities existed and there was untapped potential which could be exploited in the area of trade and economic co-operation. She was looking forward to her participation in the business meet during her stay to encourage the ‘captains of industry’ from both sides.

“We have agreed to further enhance exchanges in the fields of higher education, Information Technology, Science and Technology, tourism, hospitality and culture,” said Patil thanking Mauritius for its support on global issues of crucial importance to India.

Ramgoolam said Mauritius could become a launching pad for India’s business interests in the African continent. “We believe Mauritius can be used as a business platform between India and Africa,” he said.

Patil visited SSR garden and planted a sapling earlier in the day. A banquet in honour of the distinguished guests was hosted at the Intercontinental hotel, Balaclava in the evening.