Mauritius to open embassy in Riyadh

JEDDAH: Mauritius Vice Prime Minister Showkutally Soodhun accompanied by a high-level delegation visited Saudi Arabia, between Jan. 7 and 9.

During his official visit to the Kingdom, Soodhun had a meeting with Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir. The opening of a Mauritian Embassy in Riyadh was among the topics discussed.
Al-Jubeir assured Soodhum of his full support. The appropriate location and logistics are being finalized and it is hoped that the project will be completed in 2016.
Soodhun and Al-Jubeir reviewed the present situation on the international front, and particularly discussed the issue of international terrorism and the threat that it poses to various states.
Soodhun strongly condemned the crimes and acts of violence committed in the name of Islam. Both men agreed that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and that everything should be done to ensure that this message is transmitted and understood by all concerned.
Soodhun reiterated the support of Mauritius to Saudi Arabia in all initiatives that the Kingdom takes to establish long-term peace and harmony in the world, and particularly in the Gulf region.
Soodhun stated that Muslims all over the world look to the Kingdom for the performance of the annual Haj.
“The Kingdom has been chosen by Allah, the Almighty, to be the host of all Muslims of the world and it is my duty to commend the outstanding way in which Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, has paid personal attention to ensure that everything is done for the comfort of the guests of God,” said Soodhun.
He added that it was of utmost importance that in this region, and more particularly in the Kingdom, that everything be done to ensure that there is peace and that the best conditions prevail to enable all our brothers and sisters coming from all over the world to perform Haj and Umrah and offer their prayers in peace and security.
The delegation from Mauritius, also had the opportunity to meet senior Saudi officials and investors in Riyadh.
The Mauritian delegation made a presentation of a mega-project of property development which is expected to be implemented shortly in Mauritius.
Saudi officials showed very keen interest in the project and have seriously considered major investments in terms of equity and other types of financial support which will be finalized after a visit to the island.
Besides the mega-project, various other potential investment proposals were discussed and it is expected there will be positive follow-up and major decisions made in the coming weeks. The island nation in the southern Indian Ocean is eager to consolidate bilateral relations with the Kingdom in all sectors.
Soodhun also congratulated the deputy crown prince on the possibility of listing Saudi Aramco shares on the stock market, which could potentially make the giant oil company the world’s most valuable listed company.