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Asserting that piracy is an ever-expanding threat in the Indian Ocean region, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Thursday said both India and Mauritius will continue their joint efforts to fight piracy. " India has been and will always be committed to the safety and security of Mauritius . Piracy is an ever-expanding threat in the Indian Ocean region. We have decided to continue our joint efforts to fight piracy. India will also continue to assist Mauritius in surveillance of its Exclusive Economic Zone as well as in Hydrographic surveys," said Krishna in his opening remarks at the joint press conference during the visit of Mauritius Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Arvin Boolell. Krishna said that his Mauritius counterpart and he agreed that the Eleventh Meeting of the India-Mauritius Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation will be held at an early date in New Delhi . Krishna, who held discussions with Dr. Boolell on a wide-ranging areas of mutual interest aimed at further expanding and strengthening ties between India and Mauritius , said: "As part of the ongoing dialogue, we decided that the next Meeting of the Joint Working Group on India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Convention will be held next month in Mauritius ." "We have agreed to fast-track the utilization of the economic package of USD 250 million Line of Credit and USD 20 million grant announced by Government of India during the State visit of Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam," he added. Krishna said bilateral ties between India and Mauritius are characterised by warmth, friendship and trust. "These are multi-faceted in content and comprehensive in nature. I am happy to note that our partnership has acquired a contemporary and vibrant character encompassing cooperation in a multitude of areas," he added. Krishna further recalled the visits made by the leaders of the two countries in recent times, and said that the visits contributed to further expanding and deepening the bilateral relations. "President of India paid a successful state visit to Mauritius in April last year and held talks with Mauritius leadership. Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, also paid a State visit to India in February this year. These visits contributed to further expanding and deepening our bilateral relations," he said. Stating that India remains engaged with Africa at various levels and in a variety of sectors, Krishna said: "Our relationship with African countries is long-standing. The implementation of the decisions arrived at the India -Africa Forum Summit is India 's endeavour to provide a contemporary character to our traditionally close relationship with Africa ." " India looks forward to working closely with Mauritius to take our cooperation to even greater heights," he added. Dr. Boolell, who is presently on a three-day official visit to India , is also expected to call on other Indian dignitaries. Relations between India and Mauritius have been unique, built up on the historical and cultural linkages. Both countries enjoy an active programme on cooperation in various fields including capacity building, economic and social development, defence and security, as also trade and investment.

India, Mauritius will continue joint efforts to fight piracy: Krishna