
Tim Watts MP, has completed a two-day visit to Mauritius where he engaged in a series of productive meetings with key government officials, including the newly elected Prime Minister, Dr the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dhanajay Ramful and Junior Minister, Hambyrajen Narsinghen.
The Assistant Minister’s visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing collaboration between Australia and Mauritius, provided a platform to discuss various initiatives and opportunities for partnership in areas of mutual interest, including maritime security, the blue economy, environmental security, climate change and education.
The visit follows just two weeks after that of Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP who transited Mauritius on 20 November 2024 and met the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, on his way home from the G20 Summit.
During his engagement with the Prime Minister, Dr the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Assistant Foreign Minister reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’ efforts towards sustainable development and emphasised the importance of fortifying regional cooperation within the Indian Ocean to ensure a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. A significant highlight of the trip was the meeting with the Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Dr Salman Al Farisi. The dialogue revolved around enhancing regional cooperation among member states and the importance of strong regional architecture, further reflecting Australia’s commitment to multilateralism.
In addition to his diplomatic engagements, Tim Watts MPmet with staff of the Australian High Commission, recognising their efforts in strengthening Australia-Mauritius relations and supporting the Australian community living in Mauritius.
The Assistant Foreign Minister also took the opportunity to connect with Australian alumni and hear perspectives on the impact of the Australia Awards program in Mauritius, where alumni are making valuable contributions in a range of areas.
Cultural connections were deepened during visits to significant sites, including the historic Aapravasi Ghat — a UNESCO World Heritage site that speaks to the shared history between Australia and Mauritius — and the bustling Port Louis Central Market, where the Hon. Tim Watts experienced the vibrant local culture and traditions of Mauritius.
The visit concluded with a visit to Australia’s only university campus in Africa – Curtin Mauritius, where he heard about the important work Curtin is doing in building research capability and building the skills needed for the next generation of professionals in Mauritius, the region and Africa. This aligns with Australia’s initiatives to bolster education in the region, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills for a competitive global workforce.
“This visit marks a significant step in our relationship with Mauritius. We are proud of our deep-rooted ties and are committed to enhancing our partnership for the benefit of both our nations and the broader Indian Ocean region,” said Mr Watts.