ZUBAIR QURESHI
Mauritius High Commissioner to Pakistan Munsoo Kurrimbaccus has called for stronger trade, investment and cultural ties between Pakistan and Mauritius, saying the two countries have significant potential for cooperation in business, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Speaking at the National Press Club’s “Meet the Press” programme, the High Commissioner said greater business-to-business linkages, student exchanges and tourism cooperation could help expand bilateral relations.
Kurrimbaccus said Mauritius, an island nation with a population of around 1.2 million, gained independence in 1968 and became a republic in 1992. He said education in Mauritius was free and tourism had emerged as a major pillar of the economy since the 1980s, alongside information technology and manufacturing.
He said Mauritius was keen to explore expanded trade and investment opportunities with Pakistan and disclosed that he had already held meetings with officials of Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce to discuss possibilities for free trade agreements.
The envoy, who has been posted in Pakistan since 2024, said promoting economic cooperation was among his priorities. He also highlighted the importance of educational collaboration and said a youth-focused seminar was planned for September in coordination with the Higher Education Commission and other institutions.
Kurrimbaccus said Mauritius, which hosts students from several African countries, was interested in welcoming Pakistani students for higher education. He stressed that increased educational exchanges could contribute significantly to strengthening relations between the two countries.
Recalling his experience in Pakistan, the High Commissioner praised Pakistanis as “extremely hospitable, loving, and friendly,” saying he had never felt like a stranger during his stay in the country.
He said he had a long-standing interest in Pakistan and had even made efforts to learn Urdu. Pakistan, he added, was viewed with respect and affection in Mauritius.
The High Commissioner also discussed potential cooperation in drug prevention, public awareness and sharing of experiences between the two countries.
Highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy, Kurrimbaccus said, “Cultural exchange is my dream,” and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting cultural, educational, commercial and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Mauritius.
He said his academic background was in social work and business administration, while diplomacy was a relatively new field for him. However, he said he approached his diplomatic responsibilities through thorough research and engagement with relevant institutions.
National Press Club President Abdul Razzaq Siyal and Secretary Dr Furqan Rao welcomed the High Commissioner and emphasized the media’s role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and Mauritius.
They called for easier visa policies to facilitate greater movement of students, tourists, businesspeople and other communities between the two countries.
The programme concluded with the presentation of a commemorative shield to High Commissioner Munsoo Kurrimbaccus by the National Press Club.
