In a landmark virtual signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Representing the Mauritian side were Honourable Georges Pierre Lesjongard, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, and Honourable Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade. On behalf of the UAE, His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, led the delegation.

The signing ceremony, attended by His Excellency Showkutally Soodhun, Ambassador of Mauritius to the United Arab Emirates, marked the dawn of a new era in bilateral relations. Minister Gobin, in his welcome remarks, underscored the significance of the MOU, highlighting Mauritius’s intent to leverage the UAE’s expertise in renewable energy and water resource management. Notably, the UAE’s pioneering advancements in renewable energy technologies position it as a global leader in the field.

The MOU sets the stage for enhanced cooperation between the two nations across a spectrum of domains, including green energy, hydrogen and derivatives, LNG, water resources management, desalination, wastewater treatment, and sanitation.

Expressing admiration for Mauritius’s commitment to renewable energy development, Minister Al Mazrouei affirmed the UAE’s readiness to support the nation’s energy transition and sustainable development agenda. He reiterated the UAE Government’s dedication to fostering government-to-government partnerships and facilitating private sector investments in key sectors.

Minister Lesjongard articulated Mauritius’s strategic vision to bolster energy security through the gradual adoption of cleaner energy sources and the amplification of renewable energy’s share in the electricity mix. The nation has set ambitious targets to achieve 60% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, alongside a phased-out coal use by the same deadline.

Against the backdrop of climate change-induced challenges, Mauritius confronts issues of water security exacerbated by prolonged droughts and flash floods. In response, the country is actively enhancing its resilience to shifting rainfall patterns, incorporating technologies like desalination and expanding water infrastructure.

The MOU signing follows last year’s successful conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Mauritius and the UAE, further underlining the depth of their economic collaboration. Notably, the UAE has been a steadfast development partner for Mauritius, extending support through initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development’s grant for the construction of a new Eye Hospital and a concessional loan to finance the deployment of Solar Photovoltaic kits.

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