Macron Delays Mauritius Visit, Off to Pope’s Funeral

In a turn of events, the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Mauritius, originally scheduled for the 24th and 25th of April, has been postponed until November.

This significant alteration in the presidential itinerary comes as a result of the solemn duty that calls Macron to represent France at the funeral of Pope Francis, set to take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Rome, Italy.

In a statement released on Tuesday 22nd April evening, the French Embassy in Port Louis confirmed that the President is “compelled to postpone his official visit to the island of Mauritius due to the papal funeral.”

Despite this unexpected shift, diplomatic relations will not be entirely halted; President Macron is still set to engage in discussions with Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, during the Indian Ocean Commission summit on Thursday, the 24th of April, as noted in the official communiqué.

In a parallel announcement, the office of the Mauritian Prime Minister issued a press note to formally acknowledge the postponement:

“Please be advised that the official visit of President Emmanuel Macron, initially scheduled for the 24th and 25th of April, has been cancelled.”

This postponement, while marked by solemnity, underscores the enduring diplomatic ties between France and Mauritius, as both nations navigate their shared commitments.

Source: Defi Media