Wednesday, March 30 2005 12:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Mar 30, 2005) left for Mauritius on a four-day visit, emphasising that India would seek to "deepen and widen" relations with the country and discuss ways for early conclusion of negotiations on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement.

Describing Mauritius as a "friendly gateway to African continent" and an "invaluable partner at multilateral foray", Singh told reporters before his departure that his visit was aimed at further strengthening the vast framework of the bilateral interactions.

During his stay, the Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues with Mauritian Prime Minister Paul Raymond Berenger, call on President Aneerood Jugnauth and meet leader of Opposition Navinchandra Ramgoolam. He will also address the Mauritian National Assembly.

"I hope to discuss with Mauritian leadership, ways of further deepening the economic content of our relations including through the early conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement," Singh said.

Aspects related to strengthening bilateral cooperation in Defence and security areas, including counter-terrorism, human resources development, air links and cultural contacts are also expected to figure in the discussions, he said.

The two countries will sign four accords, including one on setting up of Joint Working Group (JWG) on combating international terrorism during visit to the Island nation.

An agreement for preferential line of credit for $ 10 million between EXIM Bank and the Bank of Mauritius will also be inked.

The two sides will firm up a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up cooperation in the field of protection of environment and an agreement on air services.

The high point of the visit will be inauguration by Singh of the state-of-the-art Cyber Tower at Ebene built with Indian assistance. The tower has been constructed to strengthen the capacities of Mauritius in the field of information and communication.

Singh said India has provided support and assistance to Mauritius to emerge as a knowledge hub and recalled that United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had inaugurated the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre during her visit to the country in November last year (2004).

New Delhi is attaching special importance to the visit, the first bilateral trip by Singh to Mauritius.