GIS – 29 June 2023: The Chinese Embassy donated 720 National Flags of the Republic of Mauritius to the Mauritian Government, today, during a ceremony held at the seat of the Embassy in Belle Rose. The Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Mauritius, Mr Liying Zhu, were present.
In his address, Minister Teeluck highlighted that the donation of National Flags lies in the context of the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of Independence and 31st anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius. He expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy for this valuable donation which will help Mauritius in nation building. “This act of gratitude bears testimony to the strong bilateral ties and the connection between our two nations. The flags that we are receiving today will serve as a constant reminder of the enduring friendship between Mauritius and the People’s Republic of China”, he said.
Speaking about the long-standing relationship between the two nations which is built on mutual respect, trust and collaboration, Mr Teeluck pointed out that both countries have worked together in various fields including trade, infrastructural development, education and cultural exchange. He cited the valuable support of the People’s Republic of China during the COVID-19 pandemic which comprised the donation of medical equipment and supplies and vaccines to Mauritius.
He thanked China for its unflinching support and reiterated Government’s vision to continuously celebrate and reinforce the friendly and brotherly relations between both countries. Mauritius will continue to preserve and deepen these ties, he reaffirmed.
For his part, the Chinese Ambassador said that it is the first time that he is participating in a donation of National Flags and that this event has a special significance as it represents the deep friendship, sincerity, fraternity and total trust that bind the two countries and their people.
He highlighted that the People’s Republic of China attaches great importance to Mauritius at all levels. He mentioned the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between the two countries which is China's first FTA with an African country. Its entry into force will further enhance China-Mauritius mutually beneficial cooperation level, promote China-Africa cooperation, and contribute to a closer China-Africa community of shared future, he stated. He rejoiced that since the last three years, trade has experienced an annual growth of 15 to 20% despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ambassador further said that cultural exchanges are a pillar of partnership between the two nations recalling that the Chinese Cultural Centre in Mauritius was open to the public 35 years ago and that it was China’s first overseas cultural centre that was set up.
Furthermore, he stressed that the People’s Republic of China attaches great importance to Mauritius at all levels and said that the Government of Mauritius can always count on the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Cultural Centre to prepare and carry out all initiatives which aim at further strengthening cultural cooperation.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov