President Gokhool and new Türkiye Ambassador explore avenues to strengthen bilateral relations.
Her Excellency Ms. Halime Ebru Demircan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Mauritius, with residence in Antananarivo, Madagascar, presented her Letter of Credence to His Excellency President Dharambeer Gokhool, G.C.S.K., at the State House this afternoon.
She was accompanied by Mr. Selçuk Mert, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Türkiye
in Antananarivo, and Mr. Ashwani Sood, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Türkiye in Mauritius.
President Gokhool and Ambassador Demircan reviewed the longstanding and cordial bilateral relations between Mauritius and Türkiye, formally established in 1976, and exchanged views on avenues to further strengthen cooperation.
Discussions covered trade and investment, including opportunities for greater engagement between the Economic Development Board (EDB) and its Turkish counterparts, as well as development cooperation through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Both sides also took stock of ongoing discussions towards a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, while noting the existing Mauritius-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement, in force since 2013.
Tourism and air connectivity were also discussed, with the role of Turkish Airlines in strengthening links between the two countries highlighted. Visa facilitation was also raised as a possible avenue to further facilitate exchanges.
The Head of State and Ambassador Demircan further discussed education, including opportunities to expand access for Mauritian students to the Türkiye Scholarships programme.
Potential areas for further cooperation include the blue economy, climate change and disaster management, as well as culture and film, with Türkiye’s internationally recognised film and television industry also discussed as an avenue for cultural exchange.