Dr Ramgoolam addresses National Assembly-Mauritius to share data with Seychelles on ocean economy |21 June 2012

Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam made the announcement during a special session of the National Assembly yesterday morning on the last day of his State visit to Seychelles.

Talking about the vast ocean which Mauritius and Seychelles share, Dr Ramgoolam said it is the pillar of the two countries’ economy and future as it has enormous potentials.

He said Mauritius will share all information gathered by the task force with Seychelles in the framework of cooperation which exists between the two countries.

Dr Ramgoolam said Mauritius and Seychelles will continue to work towards strengthening and extending their cooperation in various fields namely tourism, culture, health, education and maritime security especially in the fight against piracy where he said Mauritius will continue to support all effort to fight the scourge.

With regard to education, the two countries are looking at wider cooperation between their two universities.

“Both countries attach a lot of importance to investments in education and education reforms,” Dr Ramgoolam said.

“My vision is to transform Mauritius into a regional centre of know-how,” said Dr Ramgoolam.
He added that this will be in collaboration with other universities.

Dr Ramgoolam said Mauritius and Seychelles will continue to speak with one voice in support of small island states like ours at regional and international fora.

Dr Ramgoolam described as historic the recent agreement the two countries signed to allow them to jointly manage the Mascarene plateau.

“It is a first and it is being applauded as an example of true cooperation between neighbouring countries.

“We have succeeded where others have not,” he added.
Dr Ramgoolam said this has been possible thanks to the great historical and fraternal bonds which exist between the two nations and also the special friendly relations between himself and President James Michel.

Expressing his honour to have had the chance to address the National Assembly of Seychelles, Dr Ramgoolam transmitted warm and good wishes from the Assembly, government and people of Mauritius to the Assembly and people of Seychelles.

He said the National Assembly of Seychelles is a symbol of the vibrant democracy in this magnificent country which is Seychelles.

Dr Ramgoolam talked about the role and the importance of an Assembly in a democracy.
He also stressed on the importance of having a strong opposition whose role he said is not only to criticise but to make alternative propositions which will add value to democracy.
He talked about the two country’s similar history and colonial past, the similarities in the mother tongue, culture and ocean which we share.

Dr Ramgoolam said this is the basis for the strong bond and friendship which exist between the   Seychellois and the Mauritian people.

Dr Ramgoolam was welcomed in the National Assembly by Speaker Dr Patrick Herminie who said Dr Ramgoolam’s  presence demonstrates not only his support towards such democratic institutions but also the importance he attaches to the parliament for good governance and the advancement of  democracy in our country and the region.

The leader of the opposition in the Assembly David Pierre and leader of government business Marie-Antoinette Rose also welcomed Dr Ramgoolam in the Assembly and spoke of the historical ties, bonds of friendship which exist between Mauritius and Seychelles and the challenges they face.