Strategic exchanges for a Sustainable future at the UN Ocean Conference 2025

At the UN Ocean 2025 Conference held in France, Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam requested the United Kingdom’s support in several areas essential to the island’s development and security.

A meeting with Steve Reed, UK Environment Minister, provided an opportunity to discuss priority issues such as combating illegal fishing, maritime security, and the reorganization of the Mauritian police force. The United Kingdom thus committed to supporting Mauritius, along with other small island states, in projects aimed at combating coastal erosion, a crucial issue for these fragile territories. Furthermore, an important agreement was welcomed regarding the creation of a marine protected area around the Chagos Archipelago, thus strengthening the protection of this sensitive ecosystem.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister of Mauritius met with Luís Montenegro, Prime Minister of Portugal. During this meeting, mutual congratulations were expressed following the recent elections in their respective countries.

The presentation of a challenging budget by Mauritius was also discussed, as was the request for Portuguese expertise in three key areas: the ocean economy, tourism, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Portugal pledged to support the Mauritian projects outlined in the agreement with the European Union, particularly in the energy and tourism sectors.

In return, Portugal requested Mauritius’ support for its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-2028. Finally, discussions took place with the Head of the Kyrgyz delegation, who expressed the desire to intensify bilateral cooperation with Mauritius in several sectors. Kyrgyzstan has also requested Mauritian support for its own candidacy for the UN Security Council.