S R Nathan: Mauritius is a beacon of success in Africa

President of Singapore S R Nathan was full of praise for Mauritius at the special parliamentary session on Tuesday. Mauritius is a beacon of success in Africa, he said in his address to the House. Earlier in the morning, the University of Mauritius conferred the degree of Doctor of Civil Law, Honoris Causa to Nathan.

Nathan was welcomed by speaker Kailash Purryag at the National Assembly.

“This is my first visit to Mauritius. I have been to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and the Ganga Talao. I am very impressed by the rich heritage of Mauritius,” he said.
Nathan added that with its political stability and strong institutional framework, Mauritius has made tremendous development.

Referring to economic progress, Nathan said Mauritius and Singapore entered the post colonial era in a state of extreme poverty. Their success is due to efforts of the founding fathers of both nations.

“Mauritius has become one of the most successful countries in Africa. This success did not come easily. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam had set the path for the island to become a multi dimensional and multi racial country,” said Nathan.

He stressed that Singapore would always remain a partner of Mauritius.

The special parliamentary session ended with a vote of thanks by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. The PM said that Nathan’s visit marks a milestone in the history of Mauritius and would give impetus to the relations between Singapore and Mauritius.

Earlier, in his address at the University of Mauritius, the Singapore President urged young people to seize every opportunity to enrich their knowledge.

“One never stops to learn in life through different experiences. This is how Singapore has climbed the ladder of success after its independence,” Nathan said.