Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has deemed President Trump’s comments regarding the Chagos Islands deal as positive. The agreement includes transferring sovereignty from Britain to Mauritius while retaining a military base under a 99-year lease. Trump’s discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggest U.S. support for the deal, although it remains to be finalized.
In recent statements, Navin Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, has characterized U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding the Chagos Islands deal as “positive.” The discussion surrounds a potential agreement concerning a U.S.-UK military base on the islands following Britain’s commitment to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining control of the base under a 99-year lease.
The agreement, which remains in need of formalization, had previously garnered support from former President Joe Biden. However, uncertainty arose following Trump’s reelection, prompting deliberations from Ramgoolam, who was recently elected. Trump’s recent conversations with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House indicated probable American endorsement of the proposal.
Ramgoolam expressed cautious optimism in an interview with L’Hebdo, stating, “It looks positive. But we will wait and see what are the final proposals.” He acknowledged that Trump had voiced intentions to collaborate with the UK on this agreement, remarking that the Trump administration wishes to reach a favorable agreement before endorsing the deal formally.
The latest developments concerning the Chagos Islands deal have been marked by cautious optimism from Mauritius’ leadership, especially following President Trump’s supportive comments. While formalization of the agreement is pending, both the U.S. and UK appear poised to collaborate, which could potentially alleviate ongoing uncertainties related to sovereignty and military presence in the region. Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s statements reflect a positive outlook towards future negotiations.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
