French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mauritius on Thursday. This visit marks the start of a major diplomatic tour across Africa. Macron was welcomed by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. This is the first visit by a French president to the Indian Ocean island since 1993.
The trip was originally planned for April. However, it was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. Now, the visit aims to strengthen ties between France and Mauritius.
Focus on the Economy
Prime Minister Ramgoolam highlighted the importance of Macron’s arrival. He spoke about the economic challenges facing the world today. Ramgoolam noted that global ambitions often disrupt smaller nations.
“We risk ending up in a system where ambitions generated elsewhere stir up the global economic order,” Ramgoolam warned.
He added that Small Island Developing States feel these negative effects first. Mauritius, with its high standard of living, remains vulnerable to these global shifts.
Environmental Goals
The environment is a key focus of the tour. Mauritius plays a vital role in ocean protection. Macron and Ramgoolam discussed ways to better protect marine resources.
Mauritius has strong historical ties to France. It is located near Réunion, a French overseas territory. This proximity makes their partnership essential for regional stability.
Support for Madagascar
Macron also addressed the crisis in Madagascar. In October, the military took control of the country following weeks of protests. These protests were led largely by disaffected young people.
The military government has announced a two-year plan for a democratic transition. Macron expressed his support for this process.
“France will support this transition with an attitude of openness,” Macron stated. He emphasized the need to support the economic priorities of the Malagasy people.
Next Stops on the Tour
Macron will continue his tour after Mauritius. His itinerary includes:
- South Africa: Attending the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
- Gabon: A diplomatic visit to West Africa.
- Angola: Participating in the African Union-European Union summit.
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