{"id":3765,"date":"2025-11-20T11:48:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T11:48:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/primeminister.govmu.org\/pm\/?p=3765"},"modified":"2025-11-25T11:56:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T11:56:19","slug":"prime-minister-ramgoolam-and-french-president-macron-address-the-press-during-official-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/primeminister.govmu.org\/pm\/?p=3765","title":{"rendered":"Prime Minister Ramgoolam and French President Macron address the press during official visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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GIS \u2013 20 November 2025:<\/b>\u00a0The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and the President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, each addressed the press, this evening, at the Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall in Port Louis, as part of the French President\u2019s two-day official visit to Mauritius. President Macron\u2019s visit precedes his onward diplomatic mission to South Africa for the G20 Summit.<\/p>

In his address, Prime Minister Ramgoolam described the visit as a powerful reaffirmation of the deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between Mauritius and France. He noted that this is the first visit of a French President to Mauritius in 32 years and comes at a time of international instability that disproportionately affects Small Island Developing States. He expressed gratitude for France\u2019s leadership\u2014alongside Costa Rica\u2014during the Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025, a meeting he described as crucial for countries facing growing threats to ocean protection.<\/p>

The Prime Minister highlighted the longstanding friendship Mauritius has enjoyed with successive French leaders\u2014from General de Gaulle to Fran\u00e7ois Hollande\u2014and praised France for its consistent support in Mauritius\u2019 economic and social development since independence in 1968. He emphasised the special bond shared by the two nations, particularly through the French language, recalling that the Mauritian press\u2014celebrating 252 years this year\u2014remains predominantly francophone.<\/p>

Dr Ramgoolam extended heartfelt thanks for France\u2019s enduring support on the Chagos issue. He further outlined the topics discussed during a working session with President Macron, which included geopolitics, the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, maritime security, cooperation with R\u00e9union Island, cross-border crime, and the status of Tromelin. He noted that both countries have signed agreements in areas such as the blue economy, energy transition, renewable energy, and sustainable water management.<\/p>

He also acknowledged the important role of the private sector, citing partnership agreements between the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate and\u00a0Moulin de la Concorde<\/i>\u00a0with InVivo for flour supply. The Prime Minister praised the exemplary partnership with the\u00a0Agence Fran\u00e7aise de D\u00e9veloppement<\/i>\u00a0(AFD), which is supporting projects on coastal resilience, biodiversity protection, creative industries, and peace and stability. He further commended the European Union for its ongoing contribution to development in the region.<\/p>

Highlighting that Mauritius received 340,000 French tourists last year, Dr Ramgoolam described France as a key external market and underlined the significant presence of French companies in the financial services, tourism, industrial, and energy sectors. He also reiterated Mauritius\u2019 commitment to working with the Indian Ocean Commission to promote regional peace and stability. He expressed hope for a swift return to democracy in Madagascar, noting that both leaders discussed the situation in the neighbouring country. He concluded by reaffirming the strong, enduring spirit of solidarity and the shared commitment to advancing the well-being of both nations.<\/p>

In his statement, President Macron underscored the mutual respect that defines the relationship between Mauritius and France. He highlighted the linguistic, historical, and geographical bonds that unite the two countries while stressing the shared vision on major global challenges, including climate change, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions to trade, reaffirming France\u2019s belief in multilateralism.<\/p>

President Macron announced that several bilateral agreements will be signed during the visit, particularly in the fields of maritime security and ocean protection. He commended Mauritius for being among the first countries to sign the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty, calling it a historic milestone for marine conservation.<\/p>

Education was also a key highlight, with the signing of the\u00a0D\u00e9claration d\u2019intention commune<\/i>\u00a0on the development of bilingual francophone education and support for Mauritius\u2019 language policy. The President added that agreements in energy and water sectors will allow AFD and\u00a0\u00c9lectricit\u00e9 de France<\/i>\u00a0(EDF) to bring technical expertise to both Mauritius and Rodrigues.<\/p>

He furthermore welcomed new agreements in the sugar and flour sectors, describing them as essential to strengthening food security. Referring to the importance of innovation, President Macron noted his meeting with youth participating in the AI4GOOD regional competition at the Caudan Arts Centre earlier today. Regional issues, including Tromelin and the situation in Madagascar, were also at the forefront of discussions.<\/p>

President Macron concluded by reaffirming France\u2019s commitment to deepening the \u201cspecial and essential relationship\u201d that has long united the two nations.<\/p>

Earlier today, President Macron paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharam Gokhool, where he was elevated to the rank of Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) by President Gokhool. He then proceeded to the Caudan Arts Centre where he met with Mauritian and French economic operators in the field of Artificial Intelligence and also visited the vessel \u2018Plastic Odyssey\u2019.<\/p>

Afterwards, President Macron had a\u00a0t\u00eate \u00e0 t\u00eate\u00a0<\/i>with Prime Minister Ramgoolam at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis. He also had a working session\u00a0at the Receptorium of the National Assembly.<\/p>

Government Information Service, Prime Minister\u2019s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org \u00a0Website: https:\/\/gis.govmu.org \u00a0Mobile App: Search Gov<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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