Latest news with #DhananjayRamful
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Joint Press Release: European Union (EU)-Mauritius first Partnership Dialogue: Towards a new partnership, a joint agenda
The first Partnership Dialogue between the Republic of Mauritius and the European Union was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and by the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius in the context of the Samoa Agreement. Five Ministers of Mauritius and senior officials as well as 7 Ambassadors and representatives from 9 EU Member States attended the dialogue. Mauritius and the EU took note of the progress achieved since the last Dialogue in 2022 in their diplomatic, economic and trade relations in promoting development cooperation, financial governance and investment, maritime and port security, sustainable fisheries as well as regional integration. They also reconfirmed the common values of democracy, rule of law and human rights as guiding principles to their relationship. In his welcome address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Honourable Dhananjay Ramful highlighted the rapidly evolving global landscape marked by rising protectionism, trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions. He underlined EU's role as a reliable and longstanding partner for Mauritius. The Minister stated that the Partnership Dialogue was a timely platform to discuss shared priorities such as Climate actions, economic resilience, Maritime security and Innovation. He welcomed enhanced cooperation with the EU and individual EU Member States for an inclusive approach that considers the specific challenges of SIDS like Mauritius. In his response, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Mr Oskar Benedikt stated: 'We are living in turbulent times; instability is the order of the day and in Europe, we face war and pressure from all sides. In this situation, we must remain reliable partners – this is of utmost importance. The EU-Mauritius relations are based on shared values: democracy, rule of law, human rights, international law, and multilateralism. We are eager to strengthen our relationship, particularly in the areas of democracy, financial matters, climate change, the preservation of Mauritius's natural resources, blue economy, circular economy as well as trade and investment. We are also ready to cooperate in other areas, such as innovation, education, and student exchanges through university partnerships, to include Mauritius in research and innovation networks.' The following Ministers also addressed the audience on the occasion: Dr. the Hon. A. Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr. the Hon A. Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Hon. D. Damry, Junior Minister of Finance. Global situation As it celebrates 25 years of the African Union–European Union Partnership, the EU emphasised that the African Union is a strategic partner for Europe. The EU also underlined that the objectives of the new European Commission for Africa will be a new impetus in their mutual partnership ahead of the next AU-EU Ministerial Meeting in May and the next EU-African Union Summit later this year. Welcoming the celebrations, Mauritius also reaffirmed support for the African Union's permanent membership in the G20 and called for a stronger AU–EU dialogue on global financial governance and United Nations Security Council reform. Mauritius emphasised the importance of ensuring that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are not left behind and reiterated its proposal for a tailored Global Gateway mechanism for SIDS with flexible financing and targeted capacity-building. Mauritius and the EU also discussed about geopolitical developments and expressed concern over the on-going wars and conflicts. They both expressed their commitment to territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders, in accordance with the UN Charter. This materialized in joint support on several UN Resolutions. Financial governance Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to the integrity of the international financial system. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international financial standards under FATF and the OECD. It underlined the robustness of its anti-avoidance framework and reiterated that Mauritius was rated as 'Compliant' by the OECD Global Forum. Mauritius also proposed the establishment of a structured Mauritius–EU Financial Dialogue Mechanism to promote mutual understanding. The EU reiterated its support to Mauritius in its objective to enhancing the international stature and repute of the Mauritius International Financial Centre. The EU will support Mauritius efforts to fight money laundering through a new programme to be implemented as from September 2025. The Mauritius side indicated its openness to the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Framework assessment. Trade The EU and Mauritius enjoy deep trade ties. The EU is Mauritius' main trading partner, main source of tourists and main source of foreign direct investment. Both Parties concurred that it was important to intensify their efforts to complete the negotiations on the deepening of the Economic Partnership Agreement within 2025. Mauritius highlighted the progress achieved so far and requested more flexibility as we progress towards the future agreement which will be the EU's first modern and comprehensive free trade agreement with the Sub-Saharan Africa. Mauritius also highlighted priority sectors for which EU cooperation would be welcome, such as, Green energy, Ocean economy, Renewable energy, and Infrastructure modernisation and Digital technologies. Mauritius also requested EU assistance to promote technology transfer and expressed appreciation to the EU for the development of Geographical Indications for Mauritius. Blue economy Mauritius referred to its transition from a Small Island Developing State to a Large Ocean State and underscored that the Blue Economy is a strategic pillar of its development. Mauritius welcomed EU's long-standing support in the Blue Economy sector and highlighted the importance of sustainable management of marine resources of Mauritius, including value addition in global chains, and ensuring artisanal fisher livelihoods. Both parties underlined the benefits of the EU-Mauritius Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement for the seafood industry and the promotion of sustainable fisheries management in Mauritius waters. The EU reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to fighting against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which also applies to the EU vessels, ensuring that no illegally caught fisheries products end up on the EU market. Mauritius also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to IUU fishing and called for enhanced EU collaboration on the implementation of the Fisheries Act 2023 and related traceability systems. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to science-based fisheries governance under the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and regional frameworks such as IOTC and SIOFA. Both Parties underlined their constructive cooperation within the IOTC underlining their strong commitment to the sustainability of resources and the fight against IUU fishing and looked forward to the 29th Session of the IOTC that the European Union will be hosting in La Réunion on 13-17 April. Making reference to the European comprehensive approach for a sustainable blue economy, the EU confirmed its readiness to support Mauritius in assessing options to update its national strategy on fisheries and the blue economy. Maritime security Maritime Security is an area of common interest for the EU and Mauritius as their overall objective is to protect their citizens and economies from the consequences of unlawful intentional acts. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the EU to ensure the safety of the Western Indian Ocean and combat threats such as piracy, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Mauritius and the EU also highlighted various initiatives starting since 2010 including bilateral agreement with EUNAVFOR Atalanta Operation and the Safe Seas Africa programme. They underlined the importance of enhancing strategic partnerships with international organisations such as the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and INTERPOL as well as with regional organisations such as the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Regional Integration The EU and Mauritius re-affirmed their commitment to peace, regional integration and multilateralism. The EU is one of the main partners and funders of the Indian Ocean Commission, within which Mauritius is very active. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration through its engagement in the IOC, IORA, SADC, and COMESA. Mauritius welcomed the EU's support across several projects and emphasised the need for improved alignment with national priorities and better integration of SIDS-specific challenges within EU programming under NDICI–Global Europe. EU Global Gateway The EU presented the Global Gateway, Europe's offer for connecting the world with investments and partnerships. The initiative combines grants, concessional loans as well as guarantees to de-risk private sector investments to support a strong, inclusive, green and digital recovery and transformation worldwide. The EU underscored that the implementation of the EUR 150 billion- Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package that was announced at the EU-AU Summit in 2022 has progressed significantly. The EU presented the numerous potential sectors where this initiative could be considered in Mauritius including water, energy, the port, and the circular economy. The EU also presented the new EUR 3 million programme to support the national authorities in the implementation of their national roadmap on Circular Economy. The Rodrigues airport modernisation is a concrete example of a Global Gateway Initiative, where EU grant is mobilised to support investment in infrastructural needs. Mauritius welcomed the Global Gateway as a key enabler of sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and digital transformation. Mauritius called for structured engagement with EU institutions such as the European Investment Bank and proposed the establishment of a dedicated Mauritius–EU Task Force to fast-track project implementation. Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Mauritius reiterated its ambition to become a regional innovation hub, highlighting its National AI Strategy, investment in digital public services, and an eventual Centre of Excellence in AI. Mauritius called for expanded cooperation under Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ and proposed the creation of an EU–Mauritius Innovation Platform. The EU welcomed Mauritius's vision and confirmed its willingness to support research partnerships and academic collaboration, and AI governance through initiatives such as Horizon Europe. Participants on Mauritius side: Hon. D. Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dr. the Hon. A. Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr. the Hon A. Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Hon. D. Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, in the presence of Dr. the Hon. J. Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Hon. A. Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. Senior officials from different Ministries also attended. Participants on the EU side: The EU Ambassador was accompanied by 7 Ambassadors from 7 Member States (Belgium, Germany, Ireland, France, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden) as well as representatives from two Member States (Czech Republic and Spain). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mauritius can be used as a gateway by Indian investors for Africa, says country's Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful
Port Louis: Noting that Mauritius has a special bond with India and a very long historical relationship, country's Foreign Affairs Minister Dhananjay Ramful has said that preparations are "unique and special" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country and Indian investors can use Mauritius "as a gateway to Africa". In an interview with ANI, Dhananjay Ramful, the Mauritius Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, said India has provided extensive assistance in completing development projects in his country. He said the two countries have Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) and Mauritius looks forward to making this trade agreement more purposeful and useful. Mauritius and India signed a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) on February 22, 2021, during the visit of the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. It came into force on April 1, 2021. The India-Mauritius CECPA is the first trade agreement signed by India with an African country. Dhananjay Ramful said India and Mauritius are reorienting their relationship and talking about a strategic partnership. "The preparations are unique and special given that we have a very special bond with India. This is a very long historical relationship that we are talking about. It goes back to 1948, and since then, this relationship has strengthened over the years, and we have had various exchanges. In the meantime, we are talking about cultural exchanges, (improvement in) economic and trade relationship. Now we are reorienting that relationship. We are talking about a strategic partnership nowadays between Mauritius and India," he said. "India has been a partner in development, all the way. India has given us a lot of assistance in terms of many infrastructural projects. This short interview will not be enough for the list. We have the Metro project, you have the new Supreme Court building, you have the new ENT Hospital... India has constructed a runway - so many projects have been implemented in Mauritius. India has stood shoulder to shoulder with Mauritius in completing those projects," he added. Dhananjay Ramful said Africa is rising and Mauritius can be used as a platform, a gateway to invest in the countries in the continent. "Now, in terms of economic trade, we also have CECPA, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India. We are looking forward to make this trade agreement more purposeful and useful. The message I am giving to Indian investors is that we have to look at it as Mauritius being a gateway to Africa," he said. "Africa has 1.3 billion consumers. Africa is rising and Mauritius can be used as a platform, a gateway to invest in Africa - bearing in mind that Mauritius is a member of various organisations. All these institutions are there for Indian investors to make purposeful meaning of the free trade agreement we have with India, and to invest in various sectors - pharmaceutical sector, education. There are various sectors where Indian investors can come to invest," he added. PM Modi will pay a State Visit to Mauritius on March 11-12 to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius on 12th March as the Chief Guest. A contingent of Indian Defence Forces will participate in the celebrations along with a ship from the Indian Navy. Prime Minister last visited Mauritius in 2015. During the visit, Prime Minister will call on the President of Mauritius, meet the Prime Minister, and hold meetings with senior dignitaries and leaders of political parties in Mauritius. Prime Minister will also interact with the members of the Indian-origin community, and inaugurate the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre, both built with India's grant assistance. A number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be exchanged during the visit. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
11-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Mauritius can be used as a gateway by Indian investors for Africa, says country's Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful
Port Louis: Noting that Mauritius has a special bond with India and a very long historical relationship, country's Foreign Affairs Minister Dhananjay Ramful has said that preparations are "unique and special" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country and Indian investors can use Mauritius "as a gateway to Africa". In an interview with ANI, Dhananjay Ramful, the Mauritius Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, said India has provided extensive assistance in completing development projects in his country. He said the two countries have Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) and Mauritius looks forward to making this trade agreement more purposeful and useful. Mauritius and India signed a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) on February 22, 2021, during the visit of the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. It came into force on April 1, 2021. The India-Mauritius CECPA is the first trade agreement signed by India with an African country. Dhananjay Ramful said India and Mauritius are reorienting their relationship and talking about a strategic partnership. "The preparations are unique and special given that we have a very special bond with India. This is a very long historical relationship that we are talking about. It goes back to 1948, and since then, this relationship has strengthened over the years, and we have had various exchanges. In the meantime, we are talking about cultural exchanges, (improvement in) economic and trade relationship. Now we are reorienting that relationship. We are talking about a strategic partnership nowadays between Mauritius and India," he said. "India has been a partner in development, all the way. India has given us a lot of assistance in terms of many infrastructural projects. This short interview will not be enough for the list. We have the Metro project, you have the new Supreme Court building, you have the new ENT Hospital... India has constructed a runway - so many projects have been implemented in Mauritius. India has stood shoulder to shoulder with Mauritius in completing those projects," he added. Dhananjay Ramful said Africa is rising and Mauritius can be used as a platform, a gateway to invest in the countries in the continent. "Now, in terms of economic trade, we also have CECPA, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India. We are looking forward to make this trade agreement more purposeful and useful. The message I am giving to Indian investors is that we have to look at it as Mauritius being a gateway to Africa," he said. "Africa has 1.3 billion consumers. Africa is rising and Mauritius can be used as a platform, a gateway to invest in Africa - bearing in mind that Mauritius is a member of various organisations. All these institutions are there for Indian investors to make purposeful meaning of the free trade agreement we have with India, and to invest in various sectors - pharmaceutical sector, education. There are various sectors where Indian investors can come to invest," he added. PM Modi will pay a State Visit to Mauritius on March 11-12 to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius on 12th March as the Chief Guest. A contingent of Indian Defence Forces will participate in the celebrations along with a ship from the Indian Navy. Prime Minister last visited Mauritius in 2015. During the visit, Prime Minister will call on the President of Mauritius, meet the Prime Minister, and hold meetings with senior dignitaries and leaders of political parties in Mauritius. Prime Minister will also interact with the members of the Indian-origin community, and inaugurate the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre, both built with India's grant assistance. A number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be exchanged during the visit.
Times of Oman
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
India has been very supportive of Chagos deal: Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful
Mauritius foreign minister Dhananjay Ramful said that India has been 'very supportive' of his country in finalising the Chagos deal. Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference, FM Ramful said, 'I have to stress that India has been very supportive to Mauritius in trying to finalise this deal, and they are still willing and committed to us restoring our sovereignty on the Chagos archipelago.' India played a quiet but important role in the background of the Chagos archipelago agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius , sources said. India firmly backed the principled Mauritian position, supporting its stance on the need to do away with the last vestiges of decolonisation. But, it also consistently encouraged both sides to negotiate with an open mind and with a view to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. "India played a quiet but important role in the background. It firmly backed the principled Mauritian position, supporting its stance on the need to do away with the last vestiges of decolonisation. At the same time, it consistently encouraged both sides to negotiate with an open mind and with a view to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes," sources said. "It is believed that the final outcome is a win for all sides involved and will reinforce long term security in the Indian Ocean region," it added. This comes after the United Kingdom announced giving up the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a deal that would allow people displaced decades ago to return home while the UK retains the use of the British-US military base on Diego Garcia. The UK said that the operation of Diego Garcia, a strategic military base jointly operated with the United States, was protected by the agreement, which also allows Mauritius to resettle the rest of the islands after its population was displaced. This marks a significant shift in geopolitical negotiations between the two countries. "The treaty will address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians. Mauritius will now be free to implement a programme of resettlement on the islands of the Chagos Archipelago, other than Diego Garcia, and the UK will capitalise a new trust fund, as well as separately provide other support, for the benefit of Chagossians," the joint statement by UK and Mauritius stated. Meanwhile, India has welcomed the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius and said that this significant understanding completes the decolonisation of Mauritius. "We welcome the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, including Diego Garcia. This significant understanding completes the decolonisation of Mauritius. The resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute after two years of negotiations, in compliance with international law, is a welcome development," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. It stated that India has consistently supported Mauritius's claim for sovereignty over Chagos, while adding that it remains committed to working with Mauritius and other like-minded partners in strengthening maritime safety and security. "India has consistently supported Mauritius's claim for sovereignty over Chagos, in line with its principled stand on decolonization and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, as well as its longstanding and close partnership with Mauritius," MEA stated. "India remains committed to working with Mauritius and other like-minded partners in strengthening maritime safety and security and contributing to enhanced peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region," it added. Notably, the International Court of Justice had previously spoken for the UK to cede the island territory back to Mauritius in 2019. The UK had controlled the region since 1814 and had detached the Chagos Islands in 1965 from Mauritius so as to create the British Indian Ocean Territory. In the early 1970s, UK evicted almost 2,000 residents to Mauritius and the Seychelles to make way for an airbase on the largest island, Diego Garcia, which it had leased to the US in 1966, Al Jazeera reported.
