Showkutally Soodhun: “Mauritius-Emirates cooperation will boost tourism”

Government has embarked on a new diplomatic venture with the decision taken to open a diplomatic representation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The idea of opening up an Embassy in Riyadh has been in the pipeline for more than a decade but failed to materialise for unknown reasons. This time, Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth, who made such a promise in his last political campaign, has given the green light to the project. The Saudi authorities have issued a certificate of registration last month to go ahead with the setting up of a diplomatic mission and the embassy will open its doors before the end of this year. News on Sunday met Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Lands, Showkutally Soodhun, who has been spearheading this project since the Alliance Lepep government was voted in.

Are you satisfied with the services offered by Emirates carrying Hajjis to Saudi Arabia as well as in helping our local tourism industry?

Yes I am satisfied. I must say that over the years, Mauritius has consolidated its relationship with Emirates Airline. Last year in the context of Hajj organisation, I met the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum in order to discuss about airfare for our pilgrims. Following these discussions, Emirates Airline agreed to offer a special airfare for the Mauritian Hadji at Rs 35,000 instead of Rs 46,000. In November last year, during an official visit in Dubai, the Prime Minister met Sheikh Al Maktoum. He reiterated the request for a preferential airfare this year as well for our Hajjis. I am glad that this request has been acceded to. This year, the airfare for our pilgrims has been maintained at Rs 35,000. Over and above catering for the needs of our Hajjis, Emirates Airline is playing an important role to help our tourism industry. Emirates Airline is a global airline, serving 151 airports in 80 countries and operates the world’s largest fleets of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircrafts. I believe that these facts and figures are strong enough to show that the cooperation between Mauritius and Emirates will definitely boost our tourism sector.

Where matters stand as to future Arab investment in the port area of Mauritius?

This specific matter is being handled at the level of the Deputy Prime Minister, Xavier Luc Duval. I understand that proposals are being studied. The government wants to build a better Mauritius and transform the island by implementing major projects. The development of our port area will be an important stepping stone to boost up the economy. As we are evolving in a globalised world, Mauritius cannot operate into isolation. We have to call upon expertise in particular fields whenever required and to attract maximum investors. However, the Prime Minister has said it and he means it: ‘He will always act in the best interests of the country and of our population.’

“ As we are evolving in a globalised world, Mauritius cannot operate into isolation. We have to call upon expertise in particular fields whenever required and to attract maximum investors."

What are the preparations under way for the setting up of the Embassy in Saudi Arabia?

I must say that the opening of a Mauritian embassy in Saudi Arabia is one of our electoral promises which is turning into reality. During a public meeting in December 2014, Sir Anerood Jugnauth promised that once he is in power, he will open up an embassy in Saudi Arabia. As soon as we won the elections, he initiated the necessary procedures. He delegated me to discuss with the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adel Al Jubeir and the Deputy Crown Prince, Mohamed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the matter. The discussions have been fruitful. In December 2015, Saudi Arabia informed Mauritius that they are agreeable to the setting up of a diplomatic office in Riyadh. On the 27th April 2016, Mauritius obtained its certificate of registration, which implies that we can go ahead with the necessary preparations to open up the embassy. I must add that the Government of Saudi Arabia has offered land for the construction of the building which they will be financing, as well as residential quarters for the staff, in Riyadh. In the meantime, pending the construction, Saudi Arabia will put an office and a villa for the lodging of the staff, at the disposal of Mauritius.

Now that Mauritius has obtained a certificate for the opening of an embassy in Riyadh, when government plans to open the embassy?

A team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon, in view of finalising certain formalities. If all goes well, we plan to open the embassy before the start of Hajj, this year itself.