In a strong demonstration of the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two Indian Ocean island nations, the President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, commenced his State Visit to Mauritius with a series of high-level engagements with the Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
The visit marks an important step in deepening cooperation between the two island states and reflects their shared commitment to strengthening regional solidarity and advancing common priorities as Small Island Developing States.
During a tête-à-tête meeting, the two leaders held a candid and constructive exchange on key issues of mutual interest spanning land, air, and ocean domains. Discussions focused on maritime security, the blue economy, climate resilience, tourism development, and regional integration.
An expanded bilateral meeting followed, bringing together members of both delegations. Senior officials reviewed the progress of existing cooperation and identified new opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in priority areas including financial services, trade and investment, sustainable energy management, environmental protection, and climate adaptation. Both sides also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships in education, training, capacity building, and innovation to support sustainable and inclusive development.
President Herminie announced the decision of the government of Seychelles to establish a resident diplomatic mission in Mauritius, underscoring the importance Seychelles attaches to its relations with Mauritius and recognising the country’s strategic role as host to key regional organisations such as the Indian Ocean Commission and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Reciprocally, Prime Minister Ramgoolam also indicated Mauritius’ intention to pursue similar arrangements in Seychelles.
President Herminie also reaffirmed Seychelles’ full support for Mauritius in its efforts to restore sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. He welcomed assurances that Seychellois Chagossians would be treated equally in compensation benefits due to them under the terms of the transfer agreement.
A key highlight of the day’s engagements was the signing of a Joint Declaration by President Herminie and Prime Minister Ramgoolam reaffirming the shared commitment of Seychelles and Mauritius to the sustainable development of the Joint Management Area of the continental shelf in the Mascarene Plateau region. Both leaders described the arrangement as an important model of cooperative and responsible ocean governance.
In addition, seven agreements were signed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries to strengthen institutional collaboration and facilitate practical cooperation across a range of sectors of mutual interest, including arts and culture, agriculture, fisheries, training, and capacity building.
Addressing members of the press, President Herminie noted that Seychelles and Mauritius share many common characteristics, including their geographical realities as island states, strong democratic traditions, and deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. He emphasised that both countries remain firmly committed to advancing the blue economy and ensuring the sustainable management of marine resources in the Indian Ocean.
To conclude the day’s engagements, Prime Minister Ramgoolam hosted a State Banquet celebrating the longstanding friendship and close partnership between the peoples and governments of Seychelles and Mauritius. The evening featured cultural performances, music, and culinary traditions from both nations, reflecting the rich heritage shared across the Indian Ocean.
President Herminie expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the government and people of Mauritius and reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to working closely with Mauritius to further strengthen their strategic partnership for the benefit and prosperity of both nations.
The State Visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Ramgoolam, with President Herminie attending as Guest of Honour for the 58th Independence Day celebrations of Mauritius.
President Herminie arrived in Mauritius aboard an Air Seychelles flight yesterday Wednesday 11th March, 2026, and is accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Véronique Herminie, as well as high-level government officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, and the Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Natural Resources, Ms. Marie-May Jeremie
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