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International Affairs
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

Jai Hind
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