New Delhi, March 10 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that he looks forward to the opportunity to engage with the Mauritius leadership to elevate bilateral partnership during his two-day visit to the country and strengthen friendship for security and development in the Indian Ocean Region.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent.

"At the invitation of my friend, Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, I am embarking on a two-day State Visit to Mauritius to participate in the celebrations of the 57th National Day of Mauritius. We are connected by history, geography and culture. Deep mutual trust, a shared be...