My delegation and I are deeply touched by the warmth of the reception, and for the generous hospitality accorded to us by the Government and the people of Mauritius. I bring greetings and good wishes from the people of India to the friendly people of Mauritius.

India and Mauritius are bound by ties of history, cultural affinities and indeed, kinship. It is even more satisfying that our friendship today has acquired a contemporaneous and vibrant character, to assume the dimension of a strategic partnership. Our bilateral relations today are wide-ranging, multi-dimensional and mutually beneficial. Our shared and abiding commitment to the ideals of democracy and pluralism has only reinforced our close and friendly ties. My visit to Mauritius reaffirms our common commitment to take our relations onward to new heights.

Today, I met His Excellency President Sir Anerood Jugnauth. Just now I have concluded my discussions with His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, which were wide ranging and covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. I am confident that the meetings and discussions I will have during the period of my stay here, will provide a greater momentum and thrust to the process of consolidation and development of our partnership.

The focus of our discussions was on issues covering the vast canvass of Indo-Mauritius relations. While expressing satisfaction over the current state of our relations, we did feel that considerable opportunities existed and that there was untapped potential, which could be exploited, particularly in the area of trade and economic cooperation. I am happy to state that a business delegation from India will be joining me to explore business opportunities in Mauritius, and towards giving greater content to this important sphere of our interaction. I look forward to my participation in the Business Meet during my stay here, to listen to views from the captains of industry from both sides, and encourage them to participate in our bilateral economic exchanges.

We have agreed to further enhance exchanges in the fields of higher education, Information Technology, Science and Technology, tourism, hospitality and culture. People to people contacts reflecting our common heritage and traditions, will be prominent in these exchanges.

I thanked the Government of the Republic of Mauritius for its valued support on global issues of crucial importance to India. Mauritius has been unequivocal in its condemnation of international terrorism. Mauritius has consistently supported India's candidature for permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council.

Piracy in the Indian Ocean region adversely impacts on us all. As a country deeply committed to the security of Mauritius and its people, we are determined to work with the Government of Mauritius in enhancing the security of its people through concrete measures.

The understandings arrived at today's discussions, have established a solid foundation for the consolidation and enhancement of our mutually beneficial strategic partnership, and in bringing our two peoples closer together for a better future. I have invited President Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam to visit to India on mutually convenient dates, which could be decided through diplomatic channels.