Attendees at the event included the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo; the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; several Ministers; Members of Parliament; the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mrs K. Nandini Singla; the Acting Deputy Director General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Development, Miss Eman Al- Abdulrazzak; the Director General of Loan Operations Department from Saudi Fund for Development, Mr Abdula Al Saeef; Lady Sarojini Jugnauth; and other eminent personalities.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Jugnauth noted that the inauguration of the SAJ Hospital, the largest in the Indian Ocean, represents a significant milestone for Mauritius, reflecting Government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare. He pointed out Government’s commitment to delivering advanced healthcare services through modern infrastructure and well-trained personnel but nevertheless encouraged citizens to maintain their health through regular physical exercise.

Moreover, the Prime Minister paid tribute to late SAJ, acknowledging his role in diversifying the Mauritian economy and creating new sectors. He spoke about SAJ’s belief in social justice and the principle that there should be no disparity between town and village. Mr Jugnauth also announced plans for further developments, including Phase 2 of the project, which will cost approximately Rs 1.7 billion and serve as Mauritius’ first training hospital.

Speaking about financial assistance offered to the population, Prime Minister Jugnauth also declared that investments are being made to improve the quality of life. On this note, he seized the opportunity to announce that the Pay Research Bureau’s report, expected in December 2025, will be implemented as from January 2025, with civil servants receiving a one-year arrears payment by the end of next year.

For his part, Minister Jagutpal stressed that the SAJ Hospital stands as a tribute to late Sir Anerood Jugnauth, whose leadership was pivotal in driving economic change in Mauritius. He reassured that the hospital will feature not only modern infrastructure but also high-quality medical services. Highlighting that the hospital will be equipped with advanced technology and staffed by well-trained personnel, Minister Jagutpal assured that the healthcare needs of the population will be effectively addressed.

Furthermore, the Health Minister detailed the specific medical facilities and equipment that will be provided and underscored Government’s commitment to comprehensive and state-of-the-art care. He thus reminded that, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Government has intensified its focus on various sectors, with special attention to healthcare. He also spoke about the strategies and measures implemented during the pandemic to protect public health and ensure that the healthcare system remained robust.

It is recalled that phases 1 and 2 of the project are funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the Saudi Fund for Development, amounting to around Rs 4.3 billion. The first phase alone has been allocated Rs 2.6 billion, highlighting the strong partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Mauritius. This phase will establish a hospital that provides advanced and comprehensive healthcare services to the people of Mauritius.

The SAJ Hospital features a ground floor and six additional levels, offering approximately 500 beds for hospitalised patients. It will provide advanced medical services with CT scans, MRI, X-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, and panoramic X-rays. The hospital includes 10 operation rooms, of which four are currently operational, and has a capacity of 60 ICU beds. A designated area for stroke rehabilitation is also available, along with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, nursery, and Special Baby Care Unit for infants. Moreover, 35 dialysis machines will support around 100 dialysis treatments per day.

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Both dignitaries reviewed the bilateral relations between Mauritius and Italy, acknowledging recent positive developments in this regard.

Mauritius was included in the list of 35 countries eligible for non-seasonal work quotas in Italy for the 2023-2025 period, as per a Decree issued by the President of the Italian Council of Ministers on 27 September 2023.

Italy is home to a sizeable Mauritian diaspora, with the most recent official estimates recording approximately 10,000 Mauritians, primarily residing in the regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Catania.

For the first time, Mauritius has been designated as a beneficiary of scholarships to study in Italy, under the Mattei Plan, which aims to strengthen cooperation between Italy and the African continent.

Moreover, to encourage more Italian tourists to visit Mauritius and to strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties, both countries are anticipating the introduction of seasonal direct flights between October 2024 and April 2025. Italy is Mauritius’ third-largest tourist market in Europe, with 30,000 Italian visitors recorded in 2023.

Minister Gobin highlighted the significant potential for enhancing economic relations between the two countries, particularly by positioning Mauritius as a financial and investment hub for channelling Italian investments into African economies. With its extensive network of double taxation avoidance agreements and investment protection treaties, Mauritius offers a safe, competitive and predictable jurisdiction for conducting international business.

Ambassador Vecchi emphasised Italy’s ambition to strengthen trade and investment ties with the African continent, as outlined in the Mattei Plan, which lays out Italy’s vision for Africa in the coming years.

The discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in the blue economy, with Italy being the third-largest blue economy in Europe. Potential areas of cooperation between Mauritius and Italy include sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine tourism.

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The Task force comprised several Ministers namely the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo; the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo; the Minister of Land Transport and Land Rail, Mr Alan Ganoo ; the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy; the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr George Pierre Lesjongard; the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Kavydass Ramano; the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram; the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; and the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck.

Several Parliamentary Private Secretaries and Members of the National Assembly, representatives from Governmental institutions and local authorities as well as members of socio-cultural associations were also present to put forth their proposals in view of the forthcoming religious ceremonies.

Prime Minister Jugnauth indicated that the meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to meet and review all preparations ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi and Shri Venkateshwara Pooja which will be celebrated on 08 September and from 04 September till 12 October 2024 respectively.

He thus requested concerned Ministries to give an update as regards progress of necessary infrastructural works for the smooth running of both festivals. The help and assistance of Ministries, local authorities and socio-cultural associations, he stressed, is crucial for the Government as it believes in ensuring the security and safety of the population especially during celebrations of festivals.

On this score, Prime Minister Jugnauth reiterated that Government will do its best to attend to the demands and proposals of socio-cultural associations in the set time frame. He also expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their contribution in this important and yearly exercise that helps Government to initiate better planning well in advance of religious ceremonies.

A number of issues were raised by the Ministers related to cleaning, embellishment and paint works; street lighting; asphalting of roads; scavenging facilities; dredging of rivers, renovation of certain sites and the paving and resurfacing of roads; cleaning and slab levelling; trimming of trees; provision of water and electricity; new water connections; maintenance works; provision of tent and podium; and road safety. They reassured that works have already been undertaken at the level of their respective Ministries following requests of socio-cultural associations.

Concerning health and safety, Minister Jagutpal underlined that an additional health personnel will be mobilised to attend to cases requiring medical emergency.  Highlighting the need to protect the population from Dengue, he informed that sanitary inspectors will be sent to inspect prayer sites and ensure that they are not infected and are safe.

As for the Mauritius Police Force, there will be a reinforced deployment of police officers on prayer sites for the good running of the procession and the immersion. Lifesavers from the National Coast Guard and the Special Mobile Force will be on stand-by to ensure safety of the devotees at rivers and seas. Likewise, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service will be on site to provide essential emergency response services.

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The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, was speaking yesterday afternoon at the inauguration ceremony of the L’Avenir Village Hall and the L’Avenir Sports Complex, in St Pierre.

The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, Member of Parliament, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, and other personalities were also present.

In his keynote speech, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of the L’Avenir Sports Complex project, adding that this initiative, which includes a soccer pitch, children’s playground, volleyball court, and health track, is a pivotal part of the Government’s mission to ensure widespread access to sports infrastructure and facilities.

We are investing massively to ensure equal access to sports facilities for the whole population, for our Government has made its core priority the welfare and good health of all Mauritians, stated Mr Jugnauth.

He underscored the vital importance of practising regular sports activities and keeping fit to ensure good health and avoid suffering from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), recalling that Government is spearheading a national sensitisation campaign to encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

The Prime Minister raised the alarm as regards the number of Mauritians suffering from NCDS, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and obesity, cautioning that these make them more vulnerable to complications of other ailments. These are preventable by adopting healthy food habits, avoiding abuse of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks and engaging in regular sports activities, he added.

Furthermore, he remarked that the two infrastructures will enable the locality’s residents to indulge in leisure and sports activities as well as engage in a more active social life, while emphasising that social interactions will contribute to mental wellness.

Besides, the Prime Minister thanked the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China for their support in the concretisation of the projects, underpinning their unflinching support to Mauritius in its developmental projects.

Regarding other projects in the pipeline, Mr Jugnauth announced the upcoming construction of the La Laura—Morcellement VRS 2 L’Avenir Link Road. He also reaffirmed the Government’s objective of continuously improving public infrastructure, reminding that other major projects, including the AYUSH centre, a modern cardiac centre, a modern hospital at Moka, and the extension of the Reduit Metro Express line to St Pierre and Flacq, are on the agenda.

As for Vice-Prime Minister Dookun-Luchoomun, she highlighted that the projects are part of Government’s endeavours to enhance the quality of life of the population. She also dwelt on the numerous recent financial benefits being provided to pregnant women and their newborn babies.

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In a statement after the meeting, Ambassador Ghouini spoke of his readiness to work as the newly designated Ambassador while highlighting that both countries share the same positions towards issues of mutual interest.

Discussions with Prime Minister Jugnauth, he stated, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation between Mauritius and Algeria. Priority sectors such as trade and business were also brought forth during the meeting, he added.

The Algerian Ambassador, furthermore, emphasised promoting cultural exchanges, encouraging students to pursue studies, and providing scholarships that would benefit the peoples of Mauritius and Algeria.

It is recalled that Ambassador Ghouini presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, on Wednesday 31 July 2024 at the State House.

Ambassador Ghouini is stationed in Madagascar and holds accreditation to Mauritius.

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During the meeting, Minister Gobin dwelt on the strong and historical ties between Mauritius and the People’s Republic of China, highlighting the cordial relations across political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people fronts. He noted that China, as a “pays de peuplement”, exemplifies the excellent rapport between the two nations.

Mauritius, he said, is eager to elevate its cooperation with China, particularly with the coming into force of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first of its kind between China and an African nation. This FTA marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship and opens new avenues for economic collaboration, added the Minister.

Mr Gobin expressed his wish that both countries work together in view of relaunching direct flights between Mauritius and China, which would greatly enhance tourism and trade exchanges. He further reaffirmed Mauritius’ long-standing recognition of the One China Policy and announced that Mauritius will send a high-level delegation, led by the Vice-President, to the FOCAC from 04 to 06 September 2024. According to the Minister, this participation reflects Mauritius’ ambition to play a meaningful role in the China-Africa development partnership.

Additionally, he expressed the appreciation of the Government of Mauritius to China for lending support to Mauritius’ sovereignty claim over the Chagos Archipelago.

As for Mr Liu Yuxi, he highlighted the longstanding and deep-rooted friendship between Mauritius and China. He emphasised China’s commitment to supporting both large and small countries and reiterated the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and fostering friendship between both nations.

Furthermore, Mr Liu Yuxi pledged China’s support for the development of small island nations like Mauritius and reiterated China’s aid to Mauritius in its quest for sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. He expressed hope to additionally solidify Sino-African relations and underscored the role of FOCAC as an effective platform for enhancing exchanges between China and Africa.

China, he stated, attaches great importance to the electric bus project and is ready to work with Mauritius to accelerate its implementation. He also pointed out that the Chinese market is open to more Mauritian agricultural and aquatic products.

Moreover, the Special representative encouraged Chinese companies to invest and collaborate with Mauritius, contributing to its industrial diversification. Although the two countries do not yet have a single-channel cooperation mechanism, he believes that the current achievements prove the success of their collaborative efforts.

FOCAC

FOCAC is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and all states in Africa with the exception of the Kingdom of Eswatini. It is the primary multi-lateral coordination mechanism between African countries and China and since 2018 is viewed by those countries as a cooperation platform within the Belt and Road Initiative. FOCAC emphasises pragmatic cooperation through initiatives like the China-Africa Development Fund, the China-Africa Industrial Capacity Cooperation Fund, and the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to facilitate infrastructure development, industrialisation, and sustainable growth across Africa.

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Minister Alan Ganoo proceeded to the unveiling of a plaque to inaugurate the Barkly Pedestrian Connectivity project that entailed the construction of a retaining wall, a block wall as well as a footpath, along with the fixing of beta fence, street lightings and landscaping works.

In statement, Minister Ganoo underlined that the project, to the tune of Rs 4.5 million, was undertaken following the request of the residents of Barkly to facilitate their access to the other side of the Metro line.

He expressed satisfaction as regards the quality of the work carried out, underlining that this shortcut indeed catered for the welfare of the residents by providing easy access within safe and secured conditions.

Moreover, the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail announced the upcoming project of the construction of a signalised track pedestrian crossing to improve connectivity for the Barkly residents. He indicated that the Budget 2024-25 had earmarked an amount of Rs 25 million for its implementation.

As regards the Metro Express Pick-Up Drop Off Facility at St Louis, Mr Alan Ganoo highlighted that the project, at the cost of Rs 11.5 million, was spearheaded to provide Metro Express passengers residing at St Louis and those working in the nearby Industrial Zone, with direct, secure and convenient access to the station.

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The workshop, an initiative of the Embassy of the United States (U.S.) of America in Mauritius in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, spanning from 29 July to 02 August 2024, aims to provide medical professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the global scope and consequences of GBV, its impact on women’s health as well as effective intervention strategies. Resource persons from the U.S. Defense Institute of Medical Operations (DIMO) are facilitating the workshop.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Kalpana Devi Koonjoo-Shah; the U.S. Ambassador in Mauritius, Mr Henry V. Jardine; as well as the Team Lead from the DIMO, Lieutenant Colonel Melissa S. Henricks, were present at the opening of the workshop.

In her keynote address, Minister Koonjoo-Shah expressed appreciation to the U.S. Embassy for its ongoing support to counter the harmful effects of GBV. Speaking on the fight against GBV which is high on Government’s agenda, she referred to the setting-up of the High-Level Committee on the Elimination of GBV since 2020 under the chairpersonship of the Prime Minister and the launch of a 4-year National Strategy and Action Plan to eliminate GBV in November 2020.

As for this capacity-building programme, Mrs Koonjoo-Shah pointed out that it serves as an eye-opener for healthcare providers, who are often among the first and only points of contact for GBV survivors. It will contribute to addressing gaps in access to healthcare services and mitigating health risks, thereby enhancing health literacy, improving preventive measures, promoting positive health behaviours, and facilitating the dissemination of information regarding available services and referrals, she added.

For his part, the Health Minister elaborated on the initiatives undertaken by his Ministry in the fight against GBV, comprising the setting-up of a fast-track system at the level of the Accident and Emergency department of Regional Hospitals. Dr Jagutpal also mentioned that whenever a victim attends a public health facility and reports a case of GBV, he or she is prioritised in terms of service provision from registration up to admission if needed.

Minister Jagutpal further observed that from July 2023 to June 2024, 1,200 GBV survivors have attended Public Hospitals among which 1,000 women and 200 men. He called upon the collaboration of all stakeholders, including Government, the civil society, Non-Governmental Organisations, development partners and the private sector to ensure that GBV remains a priority issue.

Ambassador Jardine, for his part, emphasised that the workshop shows the commitment of the U.S. in ensuring that women are represented, take an active part in finding solutions against GBV, which is a violation of fundamental human rights. Every individual has the right to live free from violence and discrimination based on their gender, and by addressing GBV, we are upholding the basic rights and dignity of all individuals, he stated.

As for the Team Lead from the DIMO, she spoke of the importance of building strong and resilient partnerships through health education. Lieutenant Colonel Hendricks moreover called for interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing GBV.

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The meeting centred on exploring collaborations between the organisation and the Ministry in trade facilitation, emphasising mutual commitment to bolstering economic ties and fostering opportunities for growth. The aim is to enhance trade activities and create a conducive environment for bilateral trade.

Key initiatives discussed included developing a global platform for Cooperatives and SMEs to compete internationally, promoting agro-products and modern agricultural techniques, and advancing renewable energy solutions, particularly in solar energy. These collaborative efforts are set to strengthen trade relations and drive mutual economic growth.

GOPIO, founded in New York in 1989, has grown into one of the largest and most influential diaspora organisations worldwide, making substantial contributions to strengthening India-US relations and empowering the Indian diaspora. In Mauritius, GOPIO has played an important role in fostering connections among the French-speaking Indian diaspora and India since its inception. Since 2003, GOPIO Mauritius has organised the PIO Dialogue with India, an event that attracts hundreds of delegates from around the globe.

Furthermore, GOPIO Mauritius has been pivotal in hosting the GOPIO Francophone Summit since 2009, which serves to enhance ties between Girmitiyas from Overseas French territories such as Reunion and Guadeloupe with India. The organisation has also collaborated on significant events, including the 6th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and an International Conference marking key milestones in Mauritian and global history.

In addition to these initiatives, GOPIO Mauritius annually commemorates events like Gandhi Jayanti and Aapravasi Divas, underscoring its dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural and historical heritage of the diaspora community.

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This significant accolade, bestowed in the Sala dos Embaixadores, symbolises the deep and enduring ties between Mauritius and Portugal. The decoration recognises the President’s contributions to strengthening the bilateral relationship and highlights the mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.

The Mauritian delegation accompanying President Roopun in Portugal comprises the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Joyker Nayeck; the Ambassador of Mauritius to Portugal with residence in Paris, Mr Rajen Valaydon; the Minister’s Counsellor, Mr Thailesh Kumar Chamane; and a representative of the Economic Development Board and of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

The State Visit began with an official reception in Praça do Império, Lisbon, including military honours and anthems, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of Luís Vaz de Camões in the Santa Maria de Belém church of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

The Mauritian President then proceeded to Belém Palace, the official residence of the Portuguese President for a tête-à-tête with the latter, which was followed by an extended meeting between the Mauritian and Portuguese delegations. The Portuguese delegation comprised the State Secretary for European Affairs, Mrs Inês Domingos; the Ambassador of Portugal to Mauritius, Mr António Costa Moura; the Head of the Civil House of the President, Mr Fernando Frutuoso de Melo; the Head of the Military House, Vice Admiral Luís Sousa Pereira; the Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Maria Amélia Paiva; and the Adviser for International Relations, Mrs Carmen Silvestre.

President Roopun, expressed his deepest gratitude to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, for the invitation to the State Visit and for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation in Lisbon. He commended Portugal’s impressive economic rebound, sustainable policies, and political stability, which have made it a dynamic and exemplary economy in Europe. He acknowledged the excellent bilateral and diplomatic relations between Mauritius and Portugal, based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and good governance.

The President of the Republic of Mauritius emphasised the importance of cooperation across three levels: Bilateral, Continental and joint support for Africa, and international issues. At bilateral level, key areas highlighted included trade, economic ties, infrastructure development, renewable energy, fisheries, and the blue economy.

On the continental front, cooperation initiatives prioritised agriculture, food security, and youth development aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Additionally, sustainable tourism partnerships between Africa and the European Union were highlighted as integral to regional development.

Internationally, Mauritius and Portugal affirmed their commitment to promoting multilateralism, addressing climate change challenges, and supporting vulnerable Small Island Developing States. These efforts underscored their shared dedication to global stability and sustainability initiatives. The meeting concluded with a press statement.

An official dinner was also hosted by the President of the Republic of Portugal in honour of the President of the Republic of Mauritius and his spouse.

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