Port Louis, March 31, 2005 (UNI)

India and Mauritius today strengthened bilateral ties as both the countries agreed upon enhancing economic cooperation and opening up of the investment sector besides working together in information technology and scientific fields.

Several agreements, including one on combating international terrorism, were reached on the second day of the four-day visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who held wide-ranging talks on bilateral issues with his Mauritian counterpart Paul Raymond Berenger.

The importance India attaches to Mauritius was evident from Dr Singh chosing the Indian Ocean island nation for his first bilateral visit to a country.

''We hold the well being and development of Mauritius as among our highest foreign policy,'' Dr Singh said.

Mr Berenger said ''Mauritius' past, present and future are all linked to India.'' The talks between thew two leaders were held in an ''extremely cordial'' atmosphere, an External Affairs Ministry official said later.

During the talks, it was decided that a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement between India and Mauritius will soon be reached.

On defence cooperation, Dr Singh reiterated India's commitment to Chagos Archipel in Diego Garcia. India thanked Mauritius for its support to New Delhi's claim for a permanent seat in the UN.