The prime minister has pressed Mauritius on the necessity for the Chagos Islands deal to permit “strong protections” for the UK-US navy base there.
Sir Keir Starmer spoke to his Mauritian counterpart on Friday afternoon, Downing Avenue mentioned.
Throughout their dialog, the Labour chief informed Navin Ramgoolam he wished “strong protections” for the UK-US navy base on Diego Garcia as talks handy them over to Mauritius proceed.
This marked the primary time the 2 leaders have spoken immediately since they each got here to energy.
It got here after Mr Ramgoolam beforehand ordered an impartial overview of his predecessor’s provisional take care of the UK, quickly after coming to energy.
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Giving a readout of the decision, a Downing Avenue spokesperson mentioned: “The prime minister spoke to the prime minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam this afternoon.
“The leaders started by reflecting on their first months in workplace and mentioned the sturdy relationship between the UK and Mauritius, which they appeared ahead to increasing.
“The prime minister underlined the need for a deal to secure the military base on Diego Garcia that ensures strong protections, including from malign influence, and that will allow the base to continue to operate.
“Each leaders reiterated their dedication to a deal, they usually appeared ahead to talking once more quickly.”
Since 2022, when the Conservatives had been in energy, the UK has been negotiating a take care of Mauritius handy over management of the Chagos archipelago.
The brand new authorities has continued the talks with the goal of retaining management of the navy base.
The UK plans to lease again the strategically necessary base for 99 years at a reported annual value of round £90m.
