A New Chapter for Cooperation

On May 9, 2025, Mauritius celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a major event in the history of European cooperation.

The reception held at Mont Choisy Le Golf brought together numerous dignitaries, including President Dharam Gokhool, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dhananjay Ramful.

During this ceremony, the European Union Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles, Oskar Benedikt, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the country, emphasizing its support for sustainable development initiatives. The Diplomat mentioned key areas of cooperation, such as education, fisheries, technology, and trade, highlighting joint projects.

On the sidelines of the celebration, prizes were awarded to the winners of a photo competition to illustrate selected funded projects.

The Ambassador also recalled that the creation of the EU was based on the principles of peace, solidarity, and democracy. Mauritius’s social and political stability was praised, emphasizing that the two partners share common values, which have strengthened ties over the decades.

Bilateral relations began in the 1970s with the Sugar Protocol and have strengthened over the years. Benedikt also highlighted the openness of the European market to Mauritian exports, despite rising trade protectionism, and welcomed the growing trade cooperation between the two parties.