LUSAKA, Zambia

Seychelles’ president on Thursday reaffirmed full support for Mauritius in its efforts to restore sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, according to an official statement.

President Patrick Herminie also welcomed Mauritius' assurances that Seychellois Chagossians would be treated equally in compensation benefits due to Chagossians under the terms of the transfer agreement, the statement said, citing the outcome of the president’s talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

Premier Ramgoolam invited President Herminie as the chief guest at the March 12 celebrations marking Mauritius’ 58th Independence Day from British colonial rule.

Seychelles’ solidarity with Mauritius over Chagos came a fortnight after the Indian Ocean island nation suspended diplomatic ties with the Maldives following the Maldivian government’s non-recognition of Mauritian sovereignty over the islands.

Herminie also announced his country’s decision to establish a resident diplomatic mission in Mauritius, with Ramgoolam indicating Mauritius’ intention to pursue similar arrangements in Seychelles.

"The two leaders signed a joint declaration reaffirming the shared commitment of Seychelles and Mauritius to the sustainable development of the joint management area of the continental shelf in the Mascarene Plateau region. Both leaders described the arrangement as an important model of cooperative and responsible ocean governance," read the statement.

Seven agreements were also signed by the two countries’ foreign ministers to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including arts and culture, agriculture, fisheries, training, and capacity building.