SPEECH
BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CREDENTIALS
MR. ROHIT NARAINSING GUTTEE, HIGH COMMISSIONER-DESIGNATE
OF MAURITIUS TO INDIA
NEW DELHI, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 22, 1998
Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure
to receive and welcome you on your appointment as the new High Commissioner
of Mauritius to India. The ties of kinship, friendship and cordiality that
have developed between India and Mauritius at all levels over the past several
centuries is a shining example of South-South Co-operation. India and Mauritius
are partners in progress. We work hand in hand; we share a common ocean
and have common ideas and aspirations. We are confident that you would strengthen
these by your work.
I am particularly happy
to note that the friendship and co-operation between India and Mauritius
is based on the solid foundations of mutual respect and equality. Both our
countries have continued to co-operate closely at the international levels.
I am sure that, working together, both our countries could endeavour to
bring about a more just world order.
Excellency, on the bilateral
front we have a growing canvas of co-operation between our two countries.
New areas where we can enhance interaction to mutual benefit are emerging
such as in science and technology, culture, education, human resource development,
agriculture and civil aviation. We will need to closely follow up on all
such opportunities that bring us closer together for the benefit of our
two peoples.
The significance we attach
to our relations with Mauritius can hardly be over-emphasised. There is
a special place in our hearts for your country and for your people. Our
abiding relations are deeply embedded in the solid foundation of kinship,
culture and our shared civilizational heritage and we must together constantly
nurture this solid foundation of our relationship.
As independent nations,
both India and Mauritius have consciously opted for democracy and secularism
as the two main pillars of our modern polity. The frequent exchange of high
level visits are the testimony to our special relations. We have warm memories
of the recent visit of the Mauritian Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr.
Navinchandra Ramgoolam to India in October 1998.
Excellency, I once again
welcome you to India, a country that is no stranger to you and wish you
a very productive, fruitful and enjoyable tenure. I wish to convey through
you, Mr. High Commissioner, on behalf of the Government and the people of
India, and on my own behalf, warm and cordial greetings to His Excellency
Mr. Cassam Uteem, the President of the Republic of Mauritius and to the
friendly people of Mauritius.
Thank you
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