Japan Pledges Enhanced Maritime Security for Mauritius as Strategic Ties Deepen

Mauritian maritime security and regional stability are set for a significant boost as Mauritius and Japan move to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Speaking at a reception in Floréal on Friday, 6 February, the Japanese Ambassador, Masahiro Kan, underscored Tokyo’s dedication to supporting Mauritius in safeguarding its waters.

The event, held to celebrate the Japanese National Day and the upcoming birthday of Emperor Naruhito on 23 February, was attended by high-ranking dignitaries including President Dharam Gokhool, Vice-Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, and Foreign Affairs Minister Ritish Ramful.

Technological and Economic Cooperation

A cornerstone of this security collaboration is the implementation of a coastal surveillance radar system.

Japan has provided the technical expertise for this project, which is designed to reduce the risks of natural disasters while consolidating stability across the Indian Ocean.

Beyond security, the bilateral relationship is expanding into sustainable development and the “blue economy.” Ambassador Kan highlighted several key milestones from the past year, including:

• The official opening of the Mauritian Embassy in Tokyo.
• Mauritius’s participation in the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
• Involvement in the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.

Furthermore, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to support specialized training programmes aimed at fostering sustainable growth within the maritime sector.

A Shared Vision for 2050

The Ambassador emphasized a mutual desire to explore new avenues of cooperation that align with Mauritius’s Vision 2050.

This long-term roadmap focuses on achieving a peaceful future through authentic, sustainable growth—a path that resonates with the shared values of prosperity and protection held by both nations.

“Japan remains committed to reinforcing maritime security, promoting educational and cultural exchanges, and developing deeper ties between our peoples,” Ambassador Kan stated.

The Imperial Connection

The celebrations also honoured Emperor Naruhito, who became Japan’s 126th monarch in May 2019 following the abdication of his father, Akihito.

The Emperor maintains a unique connection to the Commonwealth, having pursued an atypical academic path at Merton College, Oxford.

His memoirs reflect on his time in the United Kingdom, a background that adds a personal dimension to Japan’s diplomatic relations with English-speaking partners.

Source: l’Express