Maritime Security: Mauritius is on the verge of becoming a major port for international ships, says Dr. Arvin Boolell

On Monday, January 12, 2026, Dr. Arvin Boolell, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, met with representatives from the Institute for Governance of Security from the U.S. Department of Defense, including Ms. Jessie Evans and Jay Hall, alongside Deputy Minister Fabrice David at the Ministry's headquarters in Port-Louis.

The American delegation is currently in Mauritius to conduct a workshop focused on enhancing maritime security within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), in collaboration with Mauritian security forces.

In his statement, Dr. Arvin Boolell emphasized that the primary aim of the meeting was to discuss maritime safety and security while strengthening cooperation between Mauritius and the United States in this area.

He highlighted the importance for Mauritius to collaborate with like-minded countries to address cross-cutting issues such as trafficking and drug proliferation, human trafficking, and illegal and unreported fishing.

Mauritius possesses a vast EEZ and is on track to become a major port for international ships, the Minister stated, underscoring the need to enhance the country's surveillance policy with technical assistance from the United States.

Calel J. Goddard, also part of the delegation, reiterated the U.S. commitment to strengthening economic and security ties with Mauritius. "Coordinated maritime domain surveillance is essential to ensure maritime security in the region and combat transient threats," he stated.