The President Mr Pranab Mukherjee has left Delhi on a three-day state visit to Mauritius. He will be the Chief Guest at the 45th Independence Day celebrations of Mauritius tomorrow. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation which includes Minister of State for Home RPN Singh and three Members of Parliament.

During his stay in Mauritius, Mr Mukherjee will meet Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag and Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. The two sides are expected to discuss a number of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Mr Mukherjee will also meet the Speaker of National Assembly and Chief Justice of Mauritius. The President's meetings with the top Mauritius leaders are expected to further the framework of bilateral relations.

A number of agreements are expected to be signed in the areas of health and medicine, tourism, welfare of senior citizens and disabled. Both countries are also examining provisions to prevent misuse of the tax treaty between them.

India and Mauritius share a unique and special relationship which is rooted in history, tradition and cultural affinities. In Mauritius, the President will visit the Samadhi of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation of Maurtius.

He will also visit the Aapravasi Ghat, a World Hertitage Site, where labourers from India landed centuries ago. He will also go to the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. The University of Mauritius will confer a degree of Doctor of Law on the President.