President James Michel received a state welcome on arrival this morning at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International airport in Mauritius.

The President was greeted by Mauritian Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam as well as members of his Cabinet, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition and other senior officials of the Mauritian Government.

Following his arrival, President Michel paid a courtesy call on the President of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth at the State House, Le Réduit.

The two heads of state discussed the economic situation of the two countries, the possibilities of enhanced cooperation in the tourism sector as well as the challenges faced by the national airlines of Seychelles and Mauritius.

In the afternoon the President has also met with a group of 20 Seychellois students that are undertaking university degrees in Port Louis.
This evening Mr. Michel will attend the National Day Celebrations as the Chief Guest at Champ de Mars in Port Louis, as well as attending a state banquet.

The President is accompanied by Minister for the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, the Special Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Jeannette d'Offay, the Special Advisor for Land Use and Housing, Mr. Raymond Chang-Tave, and the Director for Treaties in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Sandra Michel.

This is the second state visit of President Michel to Mauritius. The first visit took place in March 2005.