France, Nov. 21 -- The visit, which began Thursday, is the first official trip to Mauritius by a French president in over 30 years. Paris sees the country as a strategic neighbour because of its proximity to the French overseas territory of Reunion Island.

Macron and Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam said they discussed several "major issues" including university cooperation, energy and water supply and security.

They also addressed the long running dispute over Tromelin Island, a tiny island administered by France but claimed by Mauritius. Macron said "this issue should not be a source of division".

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According to Ramgoolam, these talks were "frank and o...