As part of his visit to Mauritius, President Mohamed Nasheed has today held official talks with Prime Minister of Mauritius Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
During the wide-ranging discussions between both governments on the relations between two countries and matters of mutual interest, the President proposed to form an official body of Indian Ocean island countries, such as the SAARC in the South Asia, to collectively promote development cooperation and common interests at the world stage.
He said such an organization would give small island nations in the Indian Ocean a bigger voice and more legitimacy at the world stage.
President Nasheed and Prime Minister Dr Ramgoolam held extensive dialogue on enhancing security, economic, cultural and tourism cooperation between the Maldives and Mauritius.
At the meeting, the Mauritian Prime Minister proposed to explore the possibility of jointly conducting economic zone surveillance by two countries.
Speaking at the joint press briefing with Prime Minister Dr Ramgoolam after their meeting, President Nasheed told the press that discussions with the Prime Minister and the Mauritius government during his visit were fruitful and he looks forward to further cooperation and engagement between both countries.
In addition, President Nasheed also met with Mauritian Chief Justice Yeung Sik Yuen, Speaker of the Mauritius National Assembly Rajkeswur Purryag, and Leader of Opposition of Mauritius Paul Bérenger today.
