Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam inspects the guard of honour on his arrival, in Varanasi on Wednesday. (@MEAIndiaX/ANI Photo)VARANASI IS decked up with lights and other decorations to welcome Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who arrived on Wednesday and was received by Governor Anandiben Patel and state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Ramgoolam are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions on Thursday with focus on development partnership and capacity building, a statement issued by the state government said.Officials said the dialogue in Varanasi would aim at strengthening diplomatic as well as cultural ties between the two countries.PM Ramgoolam was given a ceremonial welcome and inspected the Guard of Honour upon his arrival on Wednesday, the statement said.The meeting between the two prime ministers is scheduled for around 11:30 am on Thursday.“The meeting between the two leaders in the historic city of Varanasi underlines the enduring civilisational ties, spiritual connect and deep bonds between the people of the two countries that have shaped the special and unique relationship between India and Mauritius,” said the statement.Officials said the discussions would also cover issues related to health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure and renewable energy in particular.Story continues below this adFurther highlighting the importance of Mauritius as the “valued partner” in the Indian Ocean Region and also as per the “Neighbourhood first” policy of the Government of India, officials said that strengthening cooperation between the two countries is important not only for the prosperity of the people of both countries but for the collective aspirations of the Global South as well. Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd