Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr. Manesh Gobin, met with the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government in charge of African Affairs, and the Ambassador of Forum of China-African Cooperation (FOCAC), Mr Liu Yuxi, accompanied by a delegation including the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Zhu Liying, yesterday at the Ministry Center in the capital of Port Louis.
During the meeting, Minister Gobin extended the strong historical relationship between Mauritius and the People’s Republic of China, expressing the friendly relationship in the political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people to people relations. He stressed their relation with China is “pays de peuplement”, is an example of good relations between the two countries.
Mauritius, he said, is keen to enhance its cooperation with China, especially when the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into effect, the first of its kind between China and an African country. The FTA is a great symbol of bilateral relations and opens new avenues for economic cooperation, added the minister.
Mr. Gobin expressed his hope that the two countries will cooperate to resume direct flights between Mauritius and China, which will greatly contribute to tourism and trade exchange. He also confirmed that Mauritius recognizes the long-term One China Policy and announced that Mauritius will send a high-level delegation led by the Vice President to FOCAC from 04 to 06 September 2024. According to the Minister, this participation reflects the desire of Mauritius to play a significant role in the development cooperation between China and Africa.In addition, Mr Liu Yuxi pledged China’s support for the development of small islands such as Mauritius, and reiterated China’s assistance to Mauritius in seeking independence for the Chagos Islands.
He expressed hope that the relationship between China and Africa will also be strengthened, and he underlined the role of FOCAC as an effective platform to improve exchanges between China and Africa.
