The United States and Mauritius are set to hold bilateral security discussions in Port Louis from February 23 to 25. The talks will be led by the Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, with representatives from various U.S. agencies taking part.
A central topic of these discussions is the Chagos archipelago and the joint U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia. According to the Department of State, “These discussions underscore the continued importance of the Chagos archipelago and the joint U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia to our national security. The discussions will focus on bilateral security cooperation and effective implementation of security arrangements for the base to ensure its long-term, secure operation.”
The United States has expressed support for the United Kingdom’s decision regarding its agreement with Mauritius about the Chagos archipelago. The statement notes, “The United States supports the decision of the United Kingdom to proceed with its agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago. The United States reiterates its desire to conclude a bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom to guarantee continued use of basing and other facilities in the Chagos archipelago to advance U.S. national security, as well as security and stability across the Indian Ocean.”
The outcome of these meetings may affect future operations at Diego Garcia and broader regional stability.
