Mukherjee received by who's who of Mauritius during his visit

President Pranab Mukherjee had a rare honour of being received by the who's who of Mauritius - entire council of Ministers, Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of the country - when he landed here for a three-day state visit.

Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the entire 25-member council of Ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, top civil and police officials were present at the airport when he landed here on Monday.

"It was a rare hounour. The who's who of the country were present to receive him," India's High Commissioner to Mauritius T P Seetharam told reporters here.

The President attended the celebrations of the Mauritius national day as chief guest yesterday.

During the visit, Mukherjee interacted with each minister of Mauritius government as everyone of them shouldered the charge of "Minister-in-Waiting" at some point of time when Mukherjee travelled within the island nation.

Also, the Minister of the concerned ministry received and accompanied the President whenever he attended any function related to their portfolio - be it culture, education or health.

"So, every minister had the opportunity to have personal interaction with the President. This is also rare," the High Commissioner said.

Mukherjee had separate meetings with the Prime Minister, President Rajkeswur Purryag, Speaker of the National Assembly Abdool Razack Peeroo, Chief Justice Y K J Yeung Sik Yuen and the Leader of Opposition Paul Brenger.