Mauritius and U.S. sign State Partnership Programme agreement

Mauritius and the United States of America (U.S.) strengthened their bilateral cooperation today at the Special Mobile Force (SMF) Headquarters in Vacoas with the official signing of the State Partnership Programme (SPP) agreement between the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) and the New Mexico National Guard.

Signatories were the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Rampersad Sooroojebally, and the head of the New Mexico National Guard, Major General Miguel Aguilar. This agreement formalises a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening security cooperation, emergency preparedness, professional development and institutional exchanges between the two countries.

The Secretary for Home Affairs (SHA), Mrs Kan Oye Fong Weng-Poorun; the U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Craig Halbmaier; the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Commanding Officer of the SMF, Mr Premanand Budhoo; as well as other personalities were present on this occasion.

In his address, CP Sooroojebally highlighted that Mauritius is strengthening its national preparedness and disaster response capabilities through a strategic partnership between the MPF and the New Mexico National Guard. He pointed out that this collaboration will enhance emergency response coordination, humanitarian assistance, crisis management and operational readiness to better protect communities and build a more resilient Mauritius.

Along this vein, Major General Aguilar observed that the new SPP strengthens both countries’ shared commitment to regional security, disaster response and professional military cooperation. Through this partnership, he underlined, the New Mexico National Guard will deepen people-to-people ties, exchange expertise and build lasting capacity for the benefit of both nations.

For her part, SHA Fong Weng-Poorun recalled that Mauritius and the U.S. have already signed several agreements in various fields. This latest agreement between the MPF and the New Mexico National Guard will enable both authorities to collaborate, share expertise and new technologies, and operate in a more efficient manner, she stated.

As for Mr Halbmaier, he stated that this agreement creates a people-to-people bridge that transcends traditional military-to-military engagement. According to him, this action will support a secure and stable Indian Ocean region that allows trade, investment and travel that benefit both countries. He also spoke about the U.S.–Africa Business Summit, to be hosted by Mauritius in July this year, which will supercharge the economic, commercial and people-to-people relationships while reinforcing the importance of regional stability and security in the Western Indian Ocean.

Prior to the signing ceremony, a series of activities were held at the Mobile Wing of the SMF. They comprised: a Quarter Guard; a demo on Maintien de l’ordre; a demo on Urban Search and Rescue; a demo by the Groupe d’Intervention de la Police Mauricienne on Slithering and Rappelling; and a display of equipment.

About the State Partnership Programme

The SPP, administered by the U.S. Department of War through the National Guard Bureau, is one of the U.S.’ most successful and enduring international cooperation initiatives, building sustained, people-centred partnerships between U.S. states and partner nations around the world. Through this new partnership, Mauritius and the New Mexico National Guard will deepen collaboration in areas of shared strategic importance, including maritime security, disaster preparedness, crisis response, leadership development, and technical exchanges.

22 May 2026

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Topics: Bilateral cooperation