The Prefet de la Réunion, Mr Jérôme Filippini pay a courtesy call to the Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo, yesterday, DPM Obeegadoo stated that Mauritius and Reunion Island have the intention to further deepen bilateral and cooperation ties in areas of mutual interests namely climate change, maritime security, and internal security. The latter was accompanied by the Ambassador of France to Mauritius, Mr Frédéric Bontems.
Prior to the courtesy call, Mr Filippini attended the 7th Meeting of the Contact Group Mauritius-Reunion which focused mainly on challenges concerning internal security and maritime security.
Acting Prime Minister Obeegadoo indicated that it was an opportunity for both parties to have substantial exchanges on cooperation projects and reflect on the way forward. He underlined that the Meeting was fruitful and concluded with the signing of two bilateral Agreements pertaining to maritime security and drug trafficking.
Discussions also focused around topical subject matters such as the intensity and frequency of cyclones in the region and the outbreak of Dengue, he said, while stressing on the urgent need for Mauritius to seek expertise from Reunion Island.
For his part, Mr Filippini pointed out that his visit to Mauritius was cordial and productive as the Meeting provided a platform for the sister islands to present their views and reinforce collaboration in matters of common interests namely drug trafficking, human trafficking, and environmental concerns.
He added that both parties deliberated on the holding of the Mauritius – Reunion Joint Commission, convened every two years to take stock of cooperation projects and outline future perspectives. Furthermore, he pointed out that relations between Mauritius and Reunion Island are excellent and fraternal adding that it is crucial to strengthen regional cooperation.
