[Diplomatic Marathon of Emmanuel Macron in Mauritius] A Reaffirmed Historic Partnership

As he departs from Mauritius, Emmanuel Macron leaves behind a historic mark: no French president had made an official visit to the island in over thirty years. In just two days, he engaged in strategic meetings, iconic visits, and symbolic gestures, showcasing the depth of a strengthened Franco-Mauritian partnership. This visit also marks the fourth meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam in less than a year, highlighting an unprecedented level of political trust between the two capitals. Beyond protocol, this trip represents a significant moment of bilateral and regional diplomacy, where economic, strategic, and cultural issues intersect.

Arrival of the French Delegation

The French President arrived on Thursday afternoon in Mauritius, accompanied by a delegation of 42 members. At Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport, Emmanuel Macron was welcomed by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, his wife Veena Ramgoolam, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Raymond Bérenger, and several senior officials.

The visit began with a courtesy call at State House to Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokool. The discussions focused on key areas of bilateral and regional cooperation: food security, energy transition, preservation of cultural heritage, and technological challenges. These exchanges laid the groundwork for a dense and structured official program, punctuated by symbolic gestures and moments of closeness with the public.

Mutual Decorations: Legion of Honor and GCSK

On Thursday, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, the highest French civilian and military distinction, by President Emmanuel Macron during a ceremony held at State House, Réduit.

During the same ceremony, President Macron was elevated to the rank of Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK), the highest Mauritian civilian honor, while Republic President Dharam Gokhool received the title of Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor.

Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor recognizes eminent services rendered to France, regardless of the recipient's status or nationality. It includes five grades, with the highest being Grand Officer and Grand Cross, considered the dignitaries of the Order.

Emmanuel Macron at Caudan Arts Centre: Economic Engagement

At the Caudan Arts Centre, Emmanuel Macron engaged with the public in a warm atmosphere, shaking hands, taking selfies, and having spontaneous exchanges. This proximity to the public illustrated a human dimension of diplomacy beyond official protocol.

Meanwhile, the Economic Development Board (EDB) organized an economic summit bringing together Mauritian and French businesses to strengthen investments and technological cooperation. Several agreements were signed in strategic sectors:

• Sustainable water management,
• Renewable energies and energy transition,
• Artificial intelligence and technological innovation.

The French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union committed to supporting these initiatives, highlighting Mauritius' role as a regional platform and innovation laboratory. The event also showcased the potential of young Mauritian talents through regional e-sports competitions and AI-based video creation.

Mauritius-France Relations: Strategic Convergence

During the joint statement at Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall, Emmanuel Macron and Navin Ramgoolam highlighted the strength and depth of Franco-Mauritian ties.

The Prime Minister recalled: "In the past ten years, Franco-Mauritian relations have been somewhat neglected, but today we have the will to revitalize them."

He emphasized the importance of Francophonie, the continuity of French friendship through presidents, and France's unwavering support on the Chagos issue. He also mentioned regional cooperation in security: combating drug trafficking, protecting maritime areas, and jointly managing Tromelin.

Emmanuel Macron emphasized the strategic convergence between the two countries in facing global challenges: "Mauritius and France share a common vision of the major challenges of our time. In the face of geostrategic tensions, climate disruptions, and biodiversity destruction, we believe in respecting international rules and effective multilateralism."

Both leaders stressed maritime security, with agreements aiming at the joint mobilization of French naval resources and Mauritian aerial surveillance, as well as strengthening training through the Indian Ocean Academy. The French president also praised Mauritius' commitment to ocean protection, notably through the ratification of the BBNJ treaty and cooperation around the Plastic Odyssey vessel, a symbol of circular economy initiatives.

In terms of education and technology, Macron insisted on continuing the bilingual French-English program, developing French BTS courses, university cooperation, and mutual diploma recognition. In the economic sphere, agreements were signed to secure the supply of sugar and wheat, and to support energy transition and innovation through AI.

This joint declaration reflects a clear intention from both countries: to transition from a traditional relationship to a modernized and concrete partnership, integrating diplomacy, security, culture, and economic development.

Tribute to SSR and SAJ at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

On Friday morning, Emmanuel Macron laid floral wreaths in tribute to the late Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) and late Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) during a ceremony held in front of their respective samadhis at the SSR Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, Minister of Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries Arvin Boolell, as well as other prominent figures were present at this solemn ceremony.

During the ceremony, a Poupartia borbonica (Bois de Poupart) tree was planted by President Macron and Prime Minister Ramgoolam, symbolizing unity, remembrance, and a joint commitment to preserving historical heritage.

President Macron also signed the guestbook at Château de Mon Plaisir after the wreath-laying ceremony. To commemorate the occasion, Dr. Arvin Boolell presented the French president with a copy of the book "History of Pamplemousses Garden & Suggestions for a Documented Visit," a gesture reflecting the long-standing friendship and cultural ties between Mauritius and France.

French National Navy Patrol Vessel "Champlain"

On Friday morning, Emmanuel Macron visited the French National Navy patrol vessel "Champlain." He was accompanied by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam at Quay A in the port of Port-Louis, at Mer Rouge.

The Minister of Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries Arvin Boolell, the European Union Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles Oskar Benedikt, and the Prefect of La Réunion Patrice Latron were also present.

During the visit, two memorandums were exchanged between the Mauritian police and the French armed forces in the southern Indian Ocean (FAZSOI), focusing on enhancing maritime security cooperation. These agreements aim to strengthen the country's maritime surveillance capabilities, improve coordination in responding to maritime threats, and further deepen the long-standing bilateral partnership between France and Mauritius.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to bolster security in the Indian Ocean region while enhancing operational collaboration between the two nations.

Inauguration of the New French Embassy in Mauritius

Emmanuel Macron officially inaugurated the new French Embassy in Mauritius on Friday in Telfair, a modern building designed as a "link" between the two nations. For the French president, this is not just an administrative space: "This embassy is an open, transparent, environmentally respectful space, serving the French community in Mauritius, but also all Mauritians," he emphasized, highlighting the symbolic and political dimension of the infrastructure.

Praising Mauritius's unique history, Macron paid tribute to the preservation of the French language despite British rule, referring to it as "the most beautiful testimony of love" for Francophonie. He highlighted the vitality of the French community on the island and the role of educational institutions in strengthening cultural and educational ties. "France and Mauritius share a common vision in the face of global challenges," he insisted, reminding that cooperation and multilateralism remain the keys to a balanced partnership.

"France does not seek to dominate or impose anything; it wants to cooperate against all the sometimes hegemonic temptations in a disorderly world where, as you see, the return of imperialisms is evident. The region is not exempt from this," stated the French president.

Emmanuel Macron emphasized collective and regional security, highlighting the importance of joint patrols and training frameworks via the Indian Ocean Academy. He linked diplomatic action to concrete issues, such as biodiversity protection and the fight against plastic pollution, illustrating France's commitment to sustainable and pragmatic engagement.

Beyond the ceremony, this new site reflects an ambition: to restore visibility and weight to France in the Indian Ocean, strengthen regional integration, and affirm that Mauritius and Paris intend to act together on strategic and economic issues. "France, through its geography in Réunion, Mayotte, and its citizens established in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Comoros, through these intertwined families and human connections, is one of the powers in the Indian Ocean," he said. "But we approach it with humility and a willingness to work in partnership. A living, ambitious, and respectful partnership, where the friendship between the two peoples is put to the service of concrete projects for the region," he insisted.