March 4, 2011 -- A Mauritian delegation, led by the Vice-Prime Minister, Hon. P. K. Jugnauth, met with President James Michel and Vice President Danny Faure at State House yesterday ahead of the 9th Session of the Seychelles-Mauritius Commission on Bilateral Cooperation which began in the afternoon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

"Mauritius and Seychelles are working on many areas of cooperation, and we continue to enjoy good relations, particularly in our collaborative work in the Indian Ocean Commission. I am encouraged by the progress we have made in our bilateral relations and look forward to seeing new partnerships develop in areas of maritime security and trade," said President Michel.

During his meeting with the Vice President, Mr. Jugnauth, who is also the Minister for Finance and Economic Development, took the opportunity to sign a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with the Government of Seychelles as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate corporation between the two countries.

During the opening of the Joint Commission Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, spoke of the natural partnership of the two island states and the need to work together to better face the challenges ahead.

"It is no accident that Seychelles and Mauritius are the two countries consistently ranked as the best governed in our region, as well as featuring highly on human development indexes. We are both vulnerable economies, highly dependent on external forces, and yet both countries have weathered the storms of financial crises with remarkable resilience," said the Minister.

"Together our two countries have a lot to offer our region, as well as the world," added Minister Adam.

The Minister added that the bilateral commission would be focusing on exchanges and the creation of networks for Mauritian and Seychellois professionals as one of the important ways the two islands states need to reinforce their armour for continued successful development. 

The joint commission also includes the participation of representatives from across all Seychelles government sectors and is due to conclude today, Friday 4th March.

The Mauritian delegation will also be attending the official launch of the Seychelles International Carnival taking place this evening.