By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Under the Mauritian sun, a significant gathering took place at the Hua Lien Centre in Trianon on August 10, marking ASEAN Day in Mauritius. The event served as a vibrant testament to the growing engagement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Republic of Mauritius, bringing together diplomats, government officials, and community leaders to celebrate the spirit of regional cooperation.
The distinguished attendees underscored the importance of this burgeoning relationship. Representing the ASEAN nations were Nur Zakirah Binti Anuar, Vice-consul from the Malaysian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe; Mr. Lanang Seputro, Chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar; H.E. Ms. Noralyn Baja, Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa; and H.E. Mr. Ekapol Poolpipat, Ambassador of the Thai Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. Their presence highlighted the commitment of their respective nations to fostering stronger connections with Mauritius.
The Mauritian government showed its strong support through the attendance of the Hon. Mr. Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Honorary Consuls based in Mauritius, including Hon. Con. Salim Joonas for Indonesia and Hon. Con. Saleem Beebeejaun for Malaysia, also graced the occasion, further cementing the local ties to the ASEAN community. Adding an international dimension to the event was H.E. Masahiro Kan, the Ambassador of the Japanese Embassy in Mauritius, signifying the broader global interest in ASEAN’s engagement with the region. The event was also brought to fruition through the efforts of Mrs. Alba Segoviano-Dy, the dedicated Event Co-organiser.
Key Voices on a Growing Partnership
A key figure in fostering ASEAN awareness in Mauritius is Mr. Johann Dy, the Founder of the ASEAN in Mauritius Community. His dedication to building bridges between Southeast Asia and the island nation was evident in the successful organisation of the event. Reflecting on the significance of ASEAN Day in Mauritius, Mr. Dy stated, “This celebration is a crucial step in making ASEAN more visible and relevant here in Mauritius. It’s about fostering understanding and exploring opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, from trade and investment to culture and education.” His words encapsulate the core objective of the gathering: to not only commemorate the founding of ASEAN but also to actively cultivate its presence and partnerships within the Mauritian context.
The Hon. Mr. Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mauritius, reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging with ASEAN. Addressing the attendees, Minister Ramful remarked, “Mauritius recognises the significant role ASEAN plays on the global stage and within the Asian continent. We are keen to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation, leveraging our strategic location to facilitate greater interaction between Africa and Southeast Asia. This ASEAN Day celebration in Mauritius underscores our commitment to building these vital connections.” His statement highlights Mauritius’ strategic vision in positioning itself as a potential gateway between the two continents, acknowledging ASEAN’s economic and political importance.
Mr. Lanang Seputro, Chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, also shared his perspective on the importance of the event. He emphasised the potential for mutual growth and understanding between ASEAN member states and Mauritius, noting, “Today’s gathering is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and explore concrete areas of collaboration. We believe that by fostering people-to-people connections and sharing our respective strengths, both ASEAN and Mauritius can achieve greater prosperity and mutual understanding in the Indian Ocean region.” His focus on grassroots connections and shared benefits underscores the long-term vision for this developing relationship.
A Shared Future of Cooperation
The celebration of ASEAN Day in Mauritius at the Hua Lien Centre served as a significant step in strengthening the ties between the Southeast Asian bloc and the Indian Ocean island nation. The presence of high-ranking diplomats, the Mauritian Foreign Minister, and dedicated community leaders like Mr. Dy underscores the mutual interest in fostering greater understanding and collaboration. As Mauritius continues to look towards diversifying its partnerships and ASEAN seeks to expand its global reach, this inaugural celebration holds the promise of a fruitful and enduring relationship in the years to come, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared prosperity in the broader Indian Ocean region.
