Back to top

Mauritius elected to the executive board of UNESCO

During the 32nd Session of UNESCO's General Conference, held from 29 September to 15 October 2003, Mauritius was elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO with 151 votes out of 175. 

Mauritius will serve on the Executive Board for a period of four years.

Back to top

Cabinet Decisions on 11 July 2003 regarding SARS

After taking cognizance that the WHO has lifted its recommendations for the screening of travellers at embarkation countries previously affected by SARS, Cabinet has decided that all restrictions on travel imposed on nationals of countries affected by SARS, as well as on the recruitment of workers from those countries, should be lifted as from 1 August.  However, surveillance on suspected cases will continue to be maintained.  Cabinet has also taken note that Air Mauritius will resume its air services to Hong Kong as from 20 August 2003. (Extract from Cabinet Decisions at http://ncb.intnet.mu/pmo/decision.htm)

Interactive Session with Second Secretaries at the Ministry on 9 July 2003

At the request of Second Secretaries, Mr Dev Chamroo, Director Investment and Promotion of the Board of Investment conducted an interactive session on 9 July 2003 on the theme 'Ways and means how our Overseas Missions could contribute in streamlining procedures to encourage foreigners to invest in Mauritius".

Mr Chamroo spoke about the role of the staff at the Mission whereby the Mission acts as a facilitator for better dissemination and gathering of information. He also underpinned the importance of economic diplomacy.

Back to top

Joint Statement - 

Official Visit of H.E Mr. Yashwant Sinha, Minister of External Affairs, Government of the Republic of India to the Republic of Mauritius 1-3 July 2003 

At the invitation of the Hon. Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Regional Co-operation of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E Shri Yashwant Sinha, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India paid an official visit to Mauritius from 1-3 July 2003. 

During the visit, the Hon. Minister of External Affairs of India called on H.E Karl Auguste Offmann, President of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E Abdool Raouf Bundhun, Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, the Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister and H.E Paul Raymond Berenger, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. 

H.E Shri Yashwant Sinha, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India visited the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Moka, Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture and the CyberCity being constructed with Indian collaboration. He also interacted with a wide cross section of the Mauritius business community and the people of Indian origin. 

Both sides expressed satisfaction that action had already been initiated to implement cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, anti-narcotics, counter terrorism, oil exploration, handicrafts etc. which were identified during the visit of the Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, to India in January 2003. 

The following agreements were signed during the visit of the Minister of External Affairs of India: 

1.     MoU on Foreign Office Consultations Mechanism.

2.     MoU in the field of Social Defence including the welfare of the elderly, programme of demand reduction with regard to Drug Abuse, Welfare of Street Children, Juvenile Justice System and other areas in the general field of Social Defence. 

3.     Extension of MoU on Training of Small and Medium Enterprises run by Women in Mauritius. 

Both sides also agreed that the following MoUs should be concluded at the earliest possible: 

·        MoU in the field of Non-Conventional Energy Sources.

·        MoU on the Exchange of Airport Personnel, Information on Search and Rescue Emergency, and Consultancy Service in Air Traffic Management and Civil Aviation Regulations.

·        MoU on Environment matters between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of India.

·        MoU including Concept Paper in respect of the World Hindi Secretariat and its staffing.

·        MoU on cooperation in the field of prospection and exploration of oil and  gas resources in the Mauritius EEZ. 

The Hon. Minister of External Affairs of India held official discussions with the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs & Regional Cooperation of Mauritius. The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere and covered a wide range of issues pertaining to bilateral, regional and global matters of mutual interest. 

The two Ministers reiterated that Indo-Mauritian relations were characterised by the deep and abiding bonds based on common friendship, culture, and a shared civilisational heritage. They reaffirmed the vision for a closer and stronger relationship between two countries and stressed that the traditional and historical ties between India and Mauritius should be further strengthened.  

Both Ministers expressed satisfaction that the strategic partnership between the two countries in information technology was taking shape with the establishment of the CyberCity in Mauritius. They agreed that this project is a pointer to the way ahead in the bilateral economic relations between the two countries. It was agreed in this context that the Mauritian proposal for a Bio-Informatics Institute in Mauritius to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, which are rich in bio diversity and resources, need to be implemented expeditiously. Both sides are happy to note that a Joint Advisory Committee is being established.                                                
They reaffirmed their commitment to democracy and secularism and emphasized on the importance of harmonious co-existence in multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual societies, and stressed on the concept of unity in diversity. 

Both sides felt that the bilateral relations have reached a stage at which strengthening of existing institutional mechanism was necessary. In this context, it was agreed that the scope of Joint Commission between the two countries would be expanded to set up Joint Working Groups on trade and investment, terrorism, science and technology (including IT), culture and textiles under the umbrella of the Joint Commission. It was further agreed that the Joint Commissionshould meet at the earliest possible. 

Both Ministers recognised the potential of increased flow of investment between the two countries. During the last decade, Indian investment amounted to US$ 90 million approximately representing nearly 20% of total foreign direct investment inflows in the Mauritius EPZ sector. More Indian investments with a value of more than approximately US$ 335 million, in electronics, cables, ICT, spinning and light engineering products are in the pipeline. In the wake of developments in the regional integration process, Mauritius, as member of COMESA and SADC offers opportunities to attract investors from India to tap preferential markets in the member state countries. In this context, Mauritius has agreed to set up a high level group to study the proposal for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. 

India welcomed suggestion of Mauritius to convene a conference of political leaders from countries with large community of persons of Indian origin (PIO) on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York or CHOGM this year. Details will be finalised in this regard through diplomatic channels. 

Both sides expressed satisfaction about the level of bilateral cooperation in the defence and security areas. India reiterated its commitment to provide assistance to Mauritius in the defence sector, including training. India would provide assistance in conducting hydrographic surveys of the harbours, ports, and outer islands of Mauritius and update existing navigational charts. The Indian navy would also assist in the surveillance of the exclusive economic zone of Mauritius. The procurement of equipment such as Dornier aircraft is under active consideration of the Mauritian Authorities.                                              

India and Mauritius affirmed that no cause or reason could justify terrorism.  Both sides reiterated their firm belief that the fight against terrorism has to be global, comprehensive and sustained so as to totally eliminate terrorism everywhere.  In this context, they reaffirmed their commitment to UN Security Resolution 1373.  Both sides underlined the need for the global fight against terrorism to address those who instigate, support or assist terrorism, as much as those who perpetrate terrorism.  The Mauritian side appreciated India's efforts to promote peace and to counter cross border terrorism in the Indian sub-continent.  It welcomed the recent initiative taken by the Prime Minister of India aimed at fostering friendship and good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan.  To create an appropriate atmosphere for a sustained dialogue, cross border terrorism must end and its sources should be dismantled. Mauritius supports resolution of India-Pakistan issues through bilateral dialogue based on the Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore Declaration of 1999. 

Both Ministers welcomed the agreements reached on the plan of implementation at the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in August 2002, reaffirming the Rio principles, in particular, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.  The Ministers expressed their concern about the adverse effect of climate change and its implications and highlighted the vulnerabilities of both countries to this problem.  In this regard, they expressed their desire for an early entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Both sides highlighted the importance of the initiation of negotiations within the framework of the Convention on Bio Diversity towards an international regime for promoting and protecting the just and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilisation of genetic resources. 

The two sides recalled the specificities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and welcomed the holding in Mauritius in August/September 2004 of the International Meeting on the Comprehensive Review of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS.  India affirmed her support in this endeavour.                                                      

 The two sides reaffirmed their faith in the Non-Aligned Movement.  They agreed that the NAM can play an important role in addressing global issues such as poverty alleviation, financing for development, food security, issues of international peace and security, terrorism and disarmament as well as environmental protection. 

India and Mauritius share the belief that the emerging world order should be just, equitable, multipolar and based on the principles of democracy, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and respect for human rights and principles of the United Nations. 

Both sides agreed to coordinate positions in the international fora.  It is imperative to expanding the UN Security Council to make it more representative and efficient.  The External Affairs Minister of India conveyed the appreciation of Indian government for the Mauritian support to India's candidature to the permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council. 

The External Affairs Minister of India, Shri Yashwant Sinha expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Mauritius for the warm welcome offered to him and his delegation.  He extended invitation to H.E. Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius to visit India.  He also extended invitation to H.E. Paul Raymond Berenger, Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius, on behalf of the Hon'ble Deputy Prime Minister of India, Shri L.K Advani.  The invitations were accepted with pleasure and it was agreed that mutually convenient dates would be finalized through diplomatic channels.  

02 July 2003

Back to top

Diplomatic Relations with Timor Leste

          H.E. Mr Jagdish D. Koonjul, Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations and the Ambassador of Timor Leste (commonly known as East Timor) signed a Joint Communiqué on 20 March 2003 establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.  

Opérations Militaires en Irak

Déclaration du Premier Ministre 

J'ai pris connaissance des derniers développements concernant la guerre en Irak, et d'emblée je peux dire que cette guerre ne profitera à personne et que le monde entier en souffrira. 

Je souhaite personnellement que cette guerre soit de courte durée et que les populations civiles soient épargnées autant que possible. 

Au niveau du Gouvernement, nous suivons la situation de très près.  Le Vice Premier Ministre et Ministre des Finances préside un comité où sont représentés tous les Ministères et départements concernés par les effets de cette guerre sur notre économie.  Je cite en particulier les secteurs-clé, notamment nos approvisionnements en produits pétroliers, nos liaisons aériennes avec le monde, les arrivées touristiques et nos exportations. 

Evidemment, toute la question sera à l'agenda du conseil des ministres demain.

National Day celebrations

(a)      H.E. Mr Joaquim Alberto Chissano, President of the Republic of Mozambique will be the Chief Guest on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of Independence and the 11th Anniversary of the Republic.  He will visit Mauritius from 11 to 14 March 2003. 

(b)     All our Honorary Consuls abroad have been invited to attend the National Day Celebrations.  They will also have consultation meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation and other bodies.

NOTICE 
Unloading/Transshipment of Toothfish (Légine) in Port Louis Harbour  

All vessels to be equipped with Vessel Monitoring System

           Government has decided that Mauritius will henceforth require that all vessels coming to Port Louis for the unloading or transshipment of toothfish (légine) be equipped with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) 

          The vessels must also be able to prove that the system was actually active throughout the fishing campaign prior to unloading/transshipment in Port Louis. 

Government Information Service
Prime Minister's Office
Port Louis                     

26 February 2003              

"France-Afrique" Summit 

            The Rt. Honourable Prime Minister, Sir A. Jugnauth, Hon. A. Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Regional Cooperation and Mr. Harry Ganoo, Secretary to the Cabinet have left Mauritius to attend the 22nd "France-Afrique" Summit in Paris scheduled from 19-21 February 2003. 

            The theme of the Summit is "La France et L'Afrique, ensemble dans le nouveau partenariat." 

            Afterwards, the Prime Minister and his delegation will proceed to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to participate in the 13th Non-Aligned Movement Summit scheduled from 24-25 February 2003.  The theme of the Conference is "Continuing the Revitalisation of Non-Aligned Movement."   

Telephone Conversation between Mr G. W. Bush and Sir A. Jugnauth

            President G. W. Bush had a five minutes phone conversation with the Mauritian Prime Minister on 28 January 2003. The US President thanked Sir A. Jugnauth for having hosted the Second US-Sub Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum from 13-17 January 2003.

            President Bush re-assured Sir A. Jugnauth of the strong friendly ties which bind our two countries. He also thanked the Prime Minister for his support at the UN.

Donation of US $ 50,000 (Fifty Thousand US Dollar) by the Government of Mauritius to five African Countries 

        Hon. Anil Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation has donated, on behalf of the Government of Mauritius, a cheque amounting to US$10,000 (Ten thousand US Dollar) to each of the following African countries: Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. This took place on 16 January at the Octave Wiehe Auditorium, Réduit in the sidelines of the Second Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum held in Mauritius.  Photos

            This donation followed a cabinet decision to provide financial assistance to most affected African countries plagued by famine.  

Mission overseas

Hon. A. Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation has participated in the ministerial meeting on the Comoros situation held from 28-29 Nov. 2002 in Moroni, Comoros.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation will represent Mauritius at the AU Executive Council meeting (1-2 Feb. 2003) and the AU Extraordinary Summit (3-4 Feb. 2003) which will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation
30/01/2003

State visit of The Prime Minister of The Republic of Mauritius, Rt. Honorable, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, 

 to India January 5-11, 2003  

Joint Declaration

1. His Excellency the Rt. Hon'ble Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius,- accompanied by his wife Lady Sarojini Jugnauth, paid a state visit to India from 5-11 January 2003 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India.  

2. During the visit, the Prime Minister of Mauritius called on the President of the Republic of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Vice President of India, Shri B.S. Shekhawat. He visited Rajghat to pay homage to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The Mauritian dignitary called on the Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and held detailed discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues. The Prime Minister of India also hosted a banquet in honour of Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Lady Jugnauth.  

3. The Prime Minister of Mauritius held meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister, Shri L.K. Advani, Minister of External Affairs, Shri Yashwant Sinha, and the Minister of Defence, Shri George Fernandes. The Hon'ble Prime Minister of Mauritius, also made a special address at the Pravasi bharatiya Divas inaugural event, where he was honoured with Bharatiya Samman award by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India for his contribution to the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. The Mauritian Prime Minister announced the decision of his Government to request UNESCO to include

the Apravasi Ghat in Mauritius, on its list of World Heritage sites.  

4. The visit of Prime Minister of Mauritius and his delegation was in keeping with the spirit of the longstanding special and blood relations that exist between India and Mauritius. During the discussions, the two Prime Ministers reiterated that Indo-Mauritian relations were characterized by the deep and abiding bonds based on common friendship, culture and a shared civilisational heritage. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the vision for a closer and stronger relationship between the two countries and stressed that the traditional and historical bonds between India and Mauritius should be further strengthened.  

5. The Prime Minister of India and Prime Minister of Mauritius expressed happiness that the strategic partnership between the two countries in information technology was taking shape with the establishment of a cybercity in Mauritius. They agreed that this project is a pointer to the way ahead in the bilateral economic relations between the two countries. It was agreed in this context that the Mauritian proposal for a Bio-informatics institute in Mauritius would strengthen cooperation between the two countries which are rich in bio diversity and resources. It was decided that a Joint Advisory Committee would be set up to implement the proposal.  

6. They reaffirmed their commitment to democracy and secularism and emphasized on the importance of harmonious co-existence in multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual societies, and stressed on the concept of unity in diversity.  

7. In the field of transport, the Mauritian Prime Minister made a request for co-terminal rights to be given to Air Mauritius! Air India to enable them to operate two flights weekly to BangaLore as a fourth point of access into India. The Indian side agreed to examine the request.  

8. Both the countries recognized the potential for increased flow of investment between the two countries. During the last decade, Indian investment amounted to US$90 million approximately representing 18.6% of total foreign direct investment inflows in the EPZ sector. More Indian investment with a value of more than approximately US$335 million, in electronics, cables, ICT, spinning and light engineering products are in the pipeline. In the wake of developments in the regional integration process, Mauritius, as member of the COMESA and SADC agreed to offer opportunity to attract investors from India to tap preferential markets in the member state countries. Further, the Indian spinning plants and other industries will be encouraged to benefit from the expanding market for regional yarn fabrics and other products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act II.

 9. In order to strengthen cooperation in the anti-narcotics efforts, India agreed to provide assistance to the newly set up Drug Commission in Mauritius, especially in the area of asset tracking for the purpose of confiscation and seizure.

 10. In the field of health, the Mauritius side noted with gratitude the generous assistance given by India to promoting the health centres in Mauritius. The Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, Subramania Eye Hospital and the regular exchange of high-level medical experts under India's technical assistance programme have made significant contribution in enhancing public health in general. In this context, India agreed to the request of Mauritius for provision of additional medical seats at the post-graduate Level pertaining to the priority sectors including cardiology, radiology and neurology.  

11. Both the sides agreed that India would provide assistance in conducting hydrographic surveys of the harbours, ports and outer islands of Mauritius and to update existing navigational charts. The Indian Navy would assist with the surveillance of the exclusive economic zone of Mauritius. The operational agencies on both the sides would work out the detail of this cooperation.  

12. Both the sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai and the Ocean Thermal Energy conversion Plant in Mauritius in the field of ocean thermal energy. It was also agreed to cooperate in the field of prospection and exploration of oil and gas resources in the Mauritius Exclusive Economic Zone.  

13. In keeping with the historic and cultural ties between the two countries, both the countries acknowledged that the recent passage of legislation by the Mauritian Parliament on the World Hindi Secretariat would strengthen these ties. India agreed to depute personnel to assist with the staffing of the Secretariat in accordance with its commitment. Both the sides agreed on the need to move ahead on the design and construction of the building. In response to Mauritius request, India agreed to offer assistance for a study of the handicrafts sector in Mauritius.  

14. Both the countries have endeavoured to strengthen world peace and security. The two Prime Ministers expressed their conviction that tension in the region should be resolved by peaceful means and they reaffirmed their commitment to promote peace and stability in the region. The Mauritian side appreciated India's efforts to promote peace and to counter cross border terrorism in the Indian sub-continent. Both the countries share a commonality of views on several international issues. The Mauritian Prime Minister reiterated the strong support for India's legitimate claim for a permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council.  

15. The two Prime Ministers called on the international community to intensify its efforts to combat international terrorism and agreed to reinforce cooperation in this area. Both sides agreed to enforce counter- terrorism measures and declared their commitment to stamp out terrorism in all its manifestations. In this context, India offered its assistance to Mauritius and it was agreed that the details would be worked out between the two sides.

 Done in New Delhi on 10 January 2003.  

(Anil Kumar Gayan)                                                                       (Yashwant Sinha)

Minister of Foreign Affairs                                                  Minister of External Affairs

& Regional Cooperation of                                                         of the Republic of India

the Republic of Mauritius

Visite d'Etat de S.E. M. Marc Ravalomanana, Président de la République de Madagascar à Maurice

Communiqué Conjoint  

1.         A la suite de l' invitation du Premier Ministre de la République de Maurice, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, S.E. M. Marc Ravalomanana, le Président de la République de Madagascar a effectué une visite d'Etat à Maurice du 20 au 21 décembre 2002.

2.         Le Chef de l'Etat malgache était accompagné de son épouse et d'une importante délégation, comprenant entre autres, sept ministres, de hauts fonctionnaires, des représentants du secteur privé, et de la presse.

3.         Au cours de la visite, le Président Ravalomanana et son épouse ainsi que les membres de sa délégation ont été reçus par le Président de la République, M. K. Offmann.

4.         Le Président Ravalomanana a eu une longue séance de travail avec le Premier Ministre et plusieurs ministres du gouvernement mauricien.  Divers dossiers ont été abordés, notamment la zone franche malgache, le mécanisme de suivi sur les échanges commerciaux, l'accord de protection et de promotion des investissements, la ligne de crédit, la coopération régionale, les travailleurs malgaches à Maurice, les négociations ACP-UE sur les Accords de Partenariat Economique, Tromelin et les îles éparses, les échanges culturels, ainsi que le centre régional de coordination du projet de lutte contre le déversement des hydrocarbures.

5.         Sur la question de Tromelin et les îles éparses, le gouvernement mauricien continuera à accorder son appui à la revendication du gouvernement malgache sur les îles éparses (Juan de Nova, Europa, Bassas da India et les îles Glorieuses). Le gouvernement mauricien a, de son côté, réitéré sa souveraineté sur Tromelin et a souhaité pouvoir continuer de bénéficier du soutien du gouvernement malgache à cet effet.  Le gouvernement malgache a pris note de la position mauricienne.

6.         La partie mauricienne se réjouit de l'intention de Madagascar de demander son adhésion à la SADC.  Le gouvernement mauricien accordera son soutien total à cet acte de candidature.

7.         Les deux parties ont noté que, suite aux élections législatives à Madagascar le 15 décembre dernier, les conditions sont maintenant réunies pour que Madagascar soit reconnue par l'Union Africaine.  Le gouvernement mauricien veillera à ce que Madagascar retrouve sa place légitime au sein de l'Union Africaine le plus tôt possible.

8.         Se félicitant du processus démocratique à Madagascar, les deux parties souhaitent que les Comores puissent s'engager dans la même voie afin d'assurer le bon fonctionnement des institutions sous la nouvelle constitution.

9.         Le gouvernement mauricien note avec satisfaction l' engagement du gouvernement malgache d'éffectuer le remboursement total de la TVA aux opérateurs mauriciens à Madagascar d'ici le 31 décembre 2002.  La décision du gouvernement malgache de défiscaliser la filière textile et de mettre en oeuvre de nouvelles mesures concernant la TVA sur les intrants de la zone franche constituent des mesures positives visant à assurer la relance des activités de ce secteur.

10.       La partie malgache a pris bonne note du souhait du gouvernement mauricien de créér un "Integrated Business Park" à Madagascar avec l'expertise indienne et mauricienne, à travers le Business Parks of Mauritius Ltd, dans le cadre d'une coopération triangulaire.  Ce projet qui sera éventuellement implanté dans une zone délimitée à Madagascar, vise à préparer la région à faire face aux grands défis de la technologie.  Des milliers d'emplois seront créés de même que de la valeur ajoutée pour les deux îles.

11.            Concernant la desserte entre Maurice et Madagascar, les deux parties ont noté avec satisfaction que des changements sont intervenus dans la gestion d'Air Madagascar et permettront d'assurer une coopération plus fructueuse entre nos deux compagnies aériennes.

12.       Le Président de la République de Madagascar a aussi rencontré la communauté malgache vivant à Maurice et a visité le siège de la COI qui fête ses vingt ans cette année. 

13.       Le Président et sa délégation ont aussi eu une séance de travail avec les dirigeants du secteur privé mauricien dont des opérateurs de la zone franche à Madagascar.  Au cours de la réunion, le Président a confirmé la mise en place d'un environnement serein pour le développement du secteur privé.

14.       Avant de quitter Maurice, le Président malgache a tenu une conférence de presse en compagnie du Premier Ministre mauricien.

15.       Le Président de la République de Madagascar exprime sa gratitude au gouvernement et au peuple mauriciens pour l' accueil chaleureux, l'hospitalité, et les marques d'amitié, de solidarité et de fraternité qui ont jalonné cette visite porteuse d'espoir.  

Fait à Port-Louis le 21 décembre 2002  

Conseil Ministériel

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation will participate in the Conseil Ministériel de la Francophonie (CMF) which will be held from 12-13 December 2002 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Mission

        Hon. A. K. Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation accompanied by Mr. D. Chintaram of Regional Cooperation Division has attended the COMESA Policy AGOA Meetings from 19-26 November, 2002 in Lusaka, Zambia. The Minister is expected back on 28 November, 2002. 

      Our country has been represented at the officials' meeting and the Ministerial Meeting of the Europe-Africa meeting held in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso (24-28 November, 2002) by Ambassador P. Curé. 

Overseas Mission

        Hon. A. K. Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co-operation has been unable to attend the Ministerial meeting on community of Democracies (10-12 Nov 2002).  Instead the Minister of Economic Development, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs has attended the meeting in his place.

        The Minister has participated in the NEPAD Heads of State/Heads of Government Implementation Committee  (3 Nov 2002) in Abuja, Nigeria.  He is also attending the EU-SADC Ministerial meeting in Maputo, Mozambique (7- 8 Nov 2002).

        Hon A.K Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co-operation will participate in the Francophonie Ministerial meeting (15-16 October 2002) and Francophonie Summit (18-20 October 2002) in Beyrouth, Lebanon. After the Francophonie Conference, he will participate in the "Journée Mauricienne" organised by the Board of Investment (BOI) in Paris, France from 20 to 23 October 2002.

Conference of African Heads of State and of France 

         This Ministry has been informed that the Conference of African Heads of State and of France will be held from 26 to 28 February 2003 in Paris.

Announcement

Election of Ms. Pramila Patten to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

The Ministry wishes to announce with pleasure the election of Ms. Pramila Patten, Barrister at Law, to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at the Twelfth Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women held on 29 August 2002 in New York.

Ms. Pramila Patten will serve in her personal capacity on the Committee for a term of four years, beginning 1 January 2003, monitoring the implementation of the Convention.

The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is the most comprehensive treaty on women's human rights, establishing legally binding obligations to end discrimination.

The collaboration of all overseas Missions in seeking support for the election of Ms. Pramila Patten is highly appreciated.

Election of Mauritius to the Council of ICAO

Mauritius was elected on 2 October 2001, as a Member  in the new Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), during the 33^rd Assembly held in Montreal, Canada.

Mauritius obtained 139 votes out of a total of 156, topping the list of 12 elected states, under Category III.  
Mauritius is represented on the Council by Mr Anand Gungah, Director of Civil Aviation for a term of 3 years, with effect from October 2001.

Mauritius Ratifies the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

On 5 March 2002, Mauritius has deposited the Instrument of Ratification for the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (http://untreaty.un.org) with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Organisation.

World Meteorological Organisation

Mr Y.Boodhoo, Divisional Meteorologist was re-elected to the presidency of the Commission for Climatology, on 23 November 2001 for a further period of 4 years.

The delegates of Morocco, Nigeria and Tanzania noted that the election of Mr Y.Boodhoo honours both Mauritius and African Region whilst Madagascar said that this also honoured the Indian Ocean Region.

Support was also expressed for both the out-going and in-going vice presidents of the Commission.

Speeches
Speeches - Year 2003

Speeches - Year 2002
Speeches - Year 2001
Speeches - Year 2000

Back to top