Her Excellency Ms Marjo Johanna Jacoba Crompvoets, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, presented her credentials to His Excellency Mr Dharambeer Gokhool, G.C.S.K., President of the Republic of Mauritius, at State House this afternoon.
She was accompanied by her spouse, Mr Willem Magne de Boer; the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands to Mauritius, Mr Arnaud Marie Cyril Lagesse; and the Vice Consul, Mr Ruben Cyril Payen.
During the meeting, the longstanding and cordial bilateral ties, formally established in 1969, were reviewed.
Areas for further collaboration in key sectors of mutual interest were also explored, notably in Artificial Intelligence and ICT, port and airport development, flood management, renewable energy, and the blue economy.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical connections between Mauritius and the Netherlands.
The Dutch period was recalled, with reference to heritage sites such as the Frederik Hendrik Museum, where visitors can explore remnants and artefacts from the early Dutch settlement.
Mauritius also derives its name from the Dutch prince Maurice of Nassau (Maurits van Nassau).
Discussions also touched upon the colonial period and the importance of acknowledging and preserving this shared history. Against this backdrop, President Gokhool underscored the potential for developing interactive and multimedia corners at heritage sites, with a view to enhancing public engagement and keeping history and heritage alive.
Reference was also made to the work of historians, including Joël Edouard, whose research underscores the importance of continued support from both sides.
The possibility of establishing a bilateral consultative mechanism, aimed at further strengthening dialogue and charting the way forward in cooperation, was also discussed.
The President of the Republic of Mauritius took the opportunity to extend his congratulations to the newly elected Government of the Netherlands led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in areas of shared priority.