President to take off for Mauritius on 5-day state visit

New Delhi, April 23: President Pratibha Patil will embark on a five-day State Visit to Mauritius starting on Sunday, April 24, during which she will address the National Assembly and hold discussions with the island nation's top leadership.

During the visit, Patil will also be conferred Honorary Degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the Mauritius University.

During her meetings with her counterpart Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Prime Minister Navindchandra Ramgoolam, she will discuss a number of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

"India-Mauritius approaches on many regional and international issues, such as international terrorism, piracy, reform of the international institutions, including the United Nations, especially the Security Council, coincide. Both countries have a tradition of strong cooperation in multilateral fora," the External Affairs Ministry said.

During Patil's stay in Mauritius, the country's Opposition Leader Paul Raymond Berenger, Chief Justice Justice Bernard Sik Yuen, and Speaker of the National Assembly Rajkeswur Purryag will call on her.

"India-Mauritius partnership today is mutually beneficial, comprehensive, deep and diverse. The commitment of the two countries to democratic ideals, values and pluralism reinforces the close ties that they enjoy," it said.

Patil will address National Assembly of Mauritius and meet members of the Indian community in the country. She will also unveil a bust of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture.

The President will also visit heritage sites such as the Aapravasi Ghat and the Le Mourne and address an India-Mauritius Business Meet.

"President's visit to Mauritius is a part of the process of exchanges at the highest political level between India and Mauritius. The two countries have enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation that are firmly rooted in history, tradition and cultural affinities," the Ministry said.

A high level business delegation consisting of 57 business people from India will be in Mauritius during the State Visit of the President.

"The State Visit of the Hon'ble President of India to Mauritius will provide a further impetus to the consolidation and development of their historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries and will enhance the India-Mauritius partnership," it said.

PTI