Prime Minister of Mauritius, HE Mr. Navin Ramgoolam, met informally with Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, as he was in Seychelles as the Guest of Honor for the island’s National Day Celebrations.

Earlier at State House, as the Mauritian Prime Minister had addressed the press in the presence of the President of Seychelles and members of his Cabinet of Ministers he said: “Furthermore, we are increasing cooperation at all levels, including tourism. I am satisfied this will increase, as each country has named an ambassador to follow-up on our cooperation, so that we do not lose time. … We can do more to work together as we share similar problems and a common vision for sustainable development.”

Minister Alain St.Ange took the opportunity of his informal meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam to appraise the Mauritian Prime Minister on the Seychelles perspective on the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands concept and on his commitment to see the islands work together and support each other.

The participation of Mauritius at the annual Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands “Carnaval International de Victoria,” co-hosted by Seychelles and La Reunion in Seychelles, was also discussed as Minister St.Ange presented the Mauritian Prime Minister with the 2012 Carnival Brochure where Seychelles and La Reunion are showcased as co-organizers. The Seychelles Minister reiterated the proposal for Mauritius to join La Reunion and Seychelles as co-organizers of that Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands carnival.

The Seychelles Minister said that he was happy with the discussions with the Prime Minister of Mauritius and that he felt sure that his stated vision in “increasing cooperation at all levels, including tourism” will bring the tourism industry and its business community from the Seychelles and that of Mauritius closer together. “We are sister islands, we have the same history, and the more we work together, the better it will be for both of us. Seychelles, La Reunion, and Mauritius, and the other islands of the Indian Ocean complement each other in the world of tourism. We are not competitors, and we must all work to make our region more known. We welcome the words echoed in Seychelles by Prime Minister Ramgoolam as he has reinforced our own drive,” said Minister St.Ange.

Seychelles and Mauritius are enjoying a close working relationship, and it was evident in the official visit to Seychelles by the Mauritian Prime Minister that President James Michel of the Seychelles and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam of Mauritius are leading the friendly ties that exist between the two islands with their personal friendship.