GIS – 15 July 2025: “In times of uncertainty and tension, the only possible compass to which we can refer to is loyalty to our values and the sharing of these values. From this point of view, Mauritius and France share an exemplary relationship which must be nurtured, based on respect, friendship and shared values.”
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Frédéric Bontems, made this statement during a reception held yesterday at Telfair, in Moka, to mark the French National Day, annually commemorated on the 14th of July.
The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharam Gokhool; the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam; the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Raymond Bérenger; the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; Ministers; members of the diplomatic corps; as well as other eminent personalities were present at the event.
On that occasion the French Ambassador also presented Prime Minister Ramgoolam with a gift.
In his address Ambassador Bontems recalled that Mauritius and France share a long and friendly relation which was evidenced by the French President’s intention to officially visit Mauritius this year. The visit had to be postponed due to historical circumstances but President Macron still proposes to visit Mauritius in the near future, he said.
Ambassador Bontems nonetheless highlighted that the work carried out prior to the French President’s visit to Mauritius resulted in the signing of around 12 agreements in areas ranging from heritage protection to the fight against climate change, the protection of sea turtles and cooperation between the Mauritian and French meteorological services. An economic forum attended by more than 250 Mauritian and French companies from Reunion Island, Mayotte and France was also organised, he added.
On another note Ambassador Bontems underlined that Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s recent participation in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, demonstrates the importance that Mauritius attaches to the protection of the oceans.
In the margins of the Conference Prime Minister Ramgoolam met President Macron and discussed regional issues, as well as bilateral subjects such as youth training, the traffic between Mauritius and Reunion Island and the promotion of renewable energies. According to Mr Bontems, all these examples bear testimony to the excellent Mauritius-France bilateral relations.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
