India, Mauritius ink five agreements to boost bilateral ties

India and Mauritius have signed five agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country, the most important of which is the MoU on cooperation on ocean economy.

The MoUs were signed in Port Luis last night in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Sir Anerood Jugnuth.

The MoU on ocean economy will provide an extensive framework for cooperation in the field of ocean economy, a novel and critical area of sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.

It provides for mutually beneficial cooperation for exploration and capacity development in the field of marine resources, fisheries, green tourism, research and development of ocean technology, exchange of experts and other related activities

The Memorandum of Understanding for the Improvement in Sea and Air Transportation Facilities at Agalega Island of Mauritius signed between the two nations aims at setting up and upgradation of infrastructure for improving sea and air connectivity at the Outer Island of Mauritius which will go a long way in ameliorating the condition of the inhabitants of this remote Island.

These facilities will enhance the capabilities of the Mauritian Defence Forces in safeguarding their interests in the Outer Island.

India and Mauritius share unique bonds based on our shared cultural heritage and traditions. The Programme for Cultural Cooperation between India and Mauritius for the year 2015-18 will provide for enhanced bilateral cooperation in this field for the term.

The programme, inter alia, envisages exchange of cultural troupes, training in fine arts, organization of cultural exhibitions, preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of Indian languages, exchange of students, etc. This programme will also enhance greater people-to-people participation between the two countries

The protocol between the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture of India and the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security of Mauritius for the importation of fresh mango from India was also signed.

This Protocol aims to facilitate importation of fresh mango fruits from India by Mauritius so that our Mauritian brethren can also relish the flavour of the world-renowned Indian mangoes

The last MoU on the list was Cooperation in the field of Traditional System of Medicine and Homeopathy which will promote cooperation in the field of traditional system of health and medicine between the two countries which already share these traditions due to our unique historical and cultural ties.

It envisages exchange of experts, supply of traditional medicinal substances, joint research and development and recognition of the traditional systems of health and medicine in both countries. It also aims at promotion and popularization of the various Indian traditional systems which fall under AYUSH.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in the Mauritian capital Port Louis yesterday after completing the Seychelles leg of his tour, will be the chief guest at the Independence Day celebrations in Mauritius today.

He will also address the National Assembly of the country.