Mauritius’ Prime Minister Ramgoolam welcomed Trump’s comments indicating potential U.S. support for a deal regarding the Chagos Islands, which would grant Mauritius sovereignty while the U.K. controls a military base. The agreement awaits formalization, and the U.S. involvement appears promising as discussions yield positive indications.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has characterized U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the Chagos Islands deal as “positive.” This statement comes as Trump indicated potential U.S. support for an agreement concerning the future of a military base shared by the U.S. and the U.K. in the archipelago. Previously, an agreement was made in October allowing Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while maintaining U.K. control over the Diego Garcia base for 99 years.
Since the transition in U.S. leadership, the deal has faced uncertainties, especially following Trump’s re-election uncertainty where even new Prime Minister Ramgoolam expressed concerns. Despite this, Trump’s recent comments during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House suggested optimism for the agreement’s progress. Ramgoolam noted he awaited the final terms of the proposals based on Trump’s remarks.
Trump expressed hope that the deal would “work out very well” stating, “I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country,” signifying a positive inclination from the U.S. towards the agreement as stated during his discussions with Starmer. Meanwhile, Britain has indicated it will allow the Trump administration to review the deal before it is formally concluded.
In summary, Mauritius’ Prime Minister has welcomed Trump’s supportive comments regarding the Chagos Islands deal, which allows Mauritian sovereignty over the islands while retaining U.K. control of the military base. The matter remains unresolved with a formal treaty pending, and the U.S.’s future involvement appears promising based on recent discussions. Key stakeholders are attentive to upcoming proposals that will define the deal’s execution.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
