The President of the Republic of Maurice, M. Prithvirajsing Roopun, who acted during a visit to Portugal in the september cadre of the Euro-Africa Forum, an honorary prestigie of the Grand Collier of the Order of Prince Henri. Browser. Which was presented to him by the President of the Republic of Portugal, Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
This important decoration, awarded at the Sala dos Embaixadores, symbolises the deep and enduring relations between Mauritius and Portugal. It recognises the President’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and highlights the mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries.
The Mauritian delegation accompanying President Roopon to Portugal includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joker Naik; the Mauritian Ambassador to Portugal, based in Paris, Mr. Rajen Valaidon; the Minister’s Advisor, Mr. Thailesh Kumar Chamani; and a representative from the Economic Development Board and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
The state visit began with an official reception in Lisbon's Praça do Imperio square, which included military honours and military anthems, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony on the tomb of Luís Vaz de Camões in the Church of Santa Maria de Belém of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
The President of Mauritius then proceeded to Belém Palace, the official residence of the Portuguese President, to meet the Portuguese President in private, followed by an expanded meeting between the delegations of Mauritius and Portugal. The Portuguese delegation consisted of the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Ms. Inês Domingos; the Portuguese Ambassador to Mauritius, Mr. António Costa Moura; the President of the Civil House of the President, Mr. Fernando Frutuoso de Mello; the President of the Military House, Vice Admiral Luís Sousa Pereira; the Diplomatic Counsellor, Ambassador Maria Amélia Paiva; and the Counsellor for International Relations, Ms. Carmen Silvestre.
President Robon expressed his deep gratitude to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for the invitation to visit the country and for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation in Lisbon. He commended Portugal’s impressive economic recovery, sustainable policies and political stability, which have made it a dynamic and exemplary economy in Europe. He commended the excellent bilateral and diplomatic relations between Mauritius and Portugal, based on mutual respect, shared democratic values and good governance.
The President of Mauritius stressed the importance of cooperation at three levels: bilateral, continental and joint support for Africa and international issues. At the bilateral level, the key areas highlighted included trade, economic relations, infrastructure development, renewable energy, fisheries and the blue economy.
At the continental level, cooperation initiatives prioritised agriculture, food security and youth development, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. In addition, sustainable tourism partnerships between Africa and the EU were highlighted as an integral part of regional development.
At the international level, Mauritius and Portugal reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism, addressing the challenges of climate change and supporting vulnerable small island developing states. These efforts underscored their shared commitment to global initiatives for stability and sustainability. The meeting concluded with a press statement.
An official dinner was also held by the President of the Portuguese Republic in honour of the President of the Republic of Mauritius and his wife.
