GIS – 10 May 2025: The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Mauritius as a steadfast political and trade partner, underscoring continuous support forthe country’s developmental and sustainable initiatives. This message was conveyed by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr Oskar Benedikt, on the occasion of the Europe Day.
He was speaking at a reception yesterday evening at Mont Choisy Le Golf to mark the 75th anniversary of the ‘Schuman Declaration’, a historic proposal made by Robert Schuman, that laid out the foundation of European cooperation leading to the creation of the European Union.
The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool; the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra; Ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps, were among the distinguished guests present.
As part of the celebration, the winners of a photo contest organised by the EU to showcase some of its funded projects were also rewarded.
Ambassador Benedikt described the creation of the EU as being a peace project to reinforce integration and advance cooperation among states. He dwelt on the achievements of the EU and its support to developing countries in the field of education, fisheries, technology, trade and investment.
The EU, he stated, advocates for principles such as peace, human rights, freedom, solidarity and democracy which are integral amid the turbulent world. He commended Mauritius for preserving its social harmony and stability highlighting that Mauritius and EU have shared values and common goals. This, he said, has laid foundation for bigger achievement and enhanced cooperation.
The EU-Mauritius cooperation, recalled Ambassador Benedikt, started via the Sugar protocol in the 1970s and has since consolidated the trust, respect and relation between the two parties. “Mauritius and EU are guided by a common history and shared values”, he said, “making us trusted trade partners underpinned by the Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and Sustainable Fisheries Agreement”. He also noted that in times of increasing commercial protectionism, the EU has opened its market tariff free and quarter free to Mauritian exports thus promoting closer trade relations.
The EU, he underlined, is a faithful partner to developing nations and a leading donor in climate financing initiatives. He also acknowledged the partnership with the African Union and the EU’s engagement in promoting regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Southern Eastern Africa through supporting and co-financing the Southern African Development Community, the Indian Ocean Commission and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Ambassador Benedikt called for unified action among EU Member States to tackle global challlenges such as climate change, Covid-19 pandemic, Ukraine and Russia war. “Political will, unity and cooperation are the only possible answers in these difficult times”, he said, emphasing the need to uphold the rule of law.
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
