Mauritius: The importance of the partnership for oceans between the European Union (EU) and Mauritius was highlighted yesterday, by the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Mauritius, Vincent Degert, at the Odysseo, Les Salines, on the occasion of Europe Day, annually held on 9 May.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Degert pointed out that Europe Day was about celebrating peace and solidarity, the values of cooperation and the principles of peaceful relations and multilateralism enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
Against the backdrop of numerous challenges, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, he spoke on the importance of peace in a globalised and interdependent world.
The EU Ambassador also dwelt on the far-reaching partnership between the EU and Mauritius, which had mutually been beneficial to the countries and the citizens. “My four years in Mauritius have shown me that our 52 years old partnership has constantly been developing to cover a growing number of areas,” he said.
“These areas,” he indicated, “include the sugar and textile reforms, infrastructure development, trade and investment, climate change and environment, the circular economy and smart agriculture, good governance and the preservation of democracy, and new challenges such as cybersecurity and disinformation.”
Underlining the importance of the oceans for human beings, Ambassador Degert mentioned that the EU and Mauritius had been working together for the sustainable and transparent management of the oceans through fisheries agreements and participation in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.
The promotion of maritime and port security, the preservation of the ecosystems and the sensitisation of youngsters on the importance of ocean life through various projects and programmes were highlighted by the Ambassador. “Looking into the future, we are actively working in the field of blue economy, a sector that holds immense potential,” he said.
Europe Day.
Europe Day, celebrating peace and unity, marks the anniversary of the historical ‘Schuman declaration’ that set out, 73 years back, the idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.
