High-Level Reception in Mauritius marks 250 Years of US Independence

The 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States was celebrated yesterday at a reception organised by the Embassy of the United States of America in Mauritius at the Ruins of Balaclava, Maritim Resort & Spa, marking two and a half centuries of democracy, liberty and international partnership.

The event, hosted by the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States to Mauritius, Mr Craig Halbmaier and his spouse, Mrs Crystal Halbmaier, was attended by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool; the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam; the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra; as well as Ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats and other distinguished guests.

The celebration served as an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring friendship between Mauritius and the United States, as well as their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

In his address, Mr Halbmaier highlighted the longstanding friendship between Mauritius and the United States, noting that bilateral relations span more than two centuries. He recalled that in 1794, George Washington, the first President of the United States, appointed William Macarty as the first United States Consul to Mauritius, thereby laying the foundation for the enduring ties that continue to unite the two nations.

The Chargé d’Affaires emphasised the potential for expanded bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and innovation, particularly in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and space technologies.

Mr Halbmaier further stressed the importance of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, especially in tackling drug trafficking, while highlighting the longstanding security partnership between the two countries. He also noted that the establishment of the new United States Embassy in Mauritius reflects the growing significance of bilateral relations.

"As we celebrate the first 250 years of American independence, we look forward to the next 250 years of friendship, partnership and shared success between the peoples of Mauritius and the United States," he said.

25 June 2026

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Topics: Bilateral cooperation