Australia’s new High Commissioner to Mauritius, HE Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy, presented her credentials to the President of the Republic, HE Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun GCSK , at a State House ceremony in Reduit on Wednesday 9 September 2020. HE Dr O’Shaughnessy replaces Ms Jenny Dee who recently returned to Australia.
Commenting on her future plans as Australia’s new High Commissioner to Mauritius, Dr O’Shaughnessy said: “I look forward to further strengthening cooperation between Australia and Mauritius in the areas of the blue economy, agriculture and food security, trade and investment, education and research, arts and culture, women empowerment and gender equality. I am also interested in exploring other areas of cooperation with our partners in Mauritius as our two countries celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations.”
Australia and Mauritius enjoy warm relations based on strong economic and people-to-people links, particularly in education and marine economic activity. Over the last few years, education and research institutions in Mauritius have built strong relationships with their Australian counterparts and developed innovative partnerships with the Australian private sector. “I want to continue to support government research institutions and private sector to work together in innovative ways to address challenges facing Mauritius,” said Dr O’Shaughnessy.
Australia is committed to working closely with Mauritius on maritime security, economic growth and sustainable development, including through the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub.
Australia’s flagship scholarship program, the Australia Awards, is continuing to provide essential support to Mauritius in building capacity in priority areas. Australian skills and expertise are well-placed to meet Mauritius’ growing needs, particularly as it positions itself as a hub for the region.
A number of exchanges have also occurred over the last few years between Australia and Mauritius in the blue economy, gender empowerment, science and technology, medical research, good governance and financial services sector.
Dr O’Shaughnessy is a career officer with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Deputy Director, at DFAT’s Western Australia State Office. She has previously served overseas in Ghana.
Dr O’Shaughnessy holds a PhD and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Western Australia.
9 September 2020