Port Louis (Mauritius), Apr 24(ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Sunday lauded the Mauritius government for its extended support on global issues of crucial importance to India.
President Patil was talking to mediapersons on-board her way to Mauritius.
"Mauritius has consistently supported India's candidature for a permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council and has been unequivocal in its condemnation of international terrorism," Patil said.
The President also called for further strengthening of India-Mauritius relations in the coming years.
"I am looking forward to my visit to Mauritius as an opportunity to reaffirm our unique relationship, and to further strengthen the framework of co-operation," Patil said.
"We are committed to work with the Mauritius government to jointly fight piracy and enhance security in the Indian Ocean through mutually agreed measures," she added. resident Patil is on a five-day state visit during which she will address Mauritius' National Assembly and hold discussions with the island nation's top leadership. During the visit, the President would meet Mauritius President Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, as well as the leaders of opposition and speaker of their national assembly.
Patil said that her discussions with the leadership of Mauritius would cover a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
"I hope that the exchange of views at these meetings will provide a greater momentum and thrust to the process of consolidation and development of our partnership in all spheres," Patil said.
The President will also be interacting with the members of the Indian community.
In context with the India's relations with African countries, the President said that New Delhi looks at Mauritius as a friendly country in the African continent.
"I am, therefore, pleased that the first country in Africa which I will be visiting, is Mauritius. India-Africa relations are historical and strong. They hold great promise in the future as well," Patil said.
"In 2008, we initiated the India-Africa Forum Summit, as a platform for broader engagement with countries in Africa. I am pleased that the second meeting of the India-Africa Forum Summit is to take place next month in Ethiopia," she added. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)
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