New Delhi/Awaaz The VicePrime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed in a traditional style upon his arrival in Mauritius on Tuesday, with traditional Bihari songs being sung to welcome PM Modi. This song is a folk song of Bihar that has been preserved as their heritage by the women who have lived in Mauritius for centuries. The song was included in the Representative List of Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in December 2016. Modi said in a post on social media platform X that I have reached Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend Prime Minister Dr. Naveen Chandra Ramgoolam who gave me a special welcome at the airport. This visit is a great opportunity to meet a valued friend and explore new avenues of cooperation in various fields. He said in the post that today I will meet President Dharma Gokul, Prime Minister Naveen Chandra Ramgoolam and address a community program in the evening. Mauritius Prime Minister Naveen Chandra Ramgoolam received Modi at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Ramgoolam was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Mauritius, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Foreign Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chairman of the Grand Port District Council and several others. A total of 200 dignitaries were present to welcome Modi. It has been a historic relationship. The Prime Minister’s visit is taking place at the invitation of Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam. During the visit, the two countries will sign several agreements for cooperation in the areas of skill development, trade and combating cross-border financial crimes. Before leaving for Mauritius on Monday, Modi had said that his visit will add a new and bright chapter to the relations between the two countries. Modi will meet the President of Mauritius and will also meet leaders of political parties and senior dignitaries of the island nation. He will also interact with members of the Indian community and inaugurate the Civil Services College and Regional Health Centre built with India’s grant aid. In a statement before leaving for Mauritius, the Prime Minister said he looks forward to working with the leadership of Mauritius to expand our partnership in all aspects and strengthen our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our people. Modi said Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner and the gateway to the African continent in the Indian Ocean. We are bound by history, geography and culture. The Prime Minister said the close and historic ties between the people of the two countries are a source of shared pride. Modi last visited Mauritius in 2015. India is one of Mauritius’ largest trading partners. Mauritius was a former British and French colony and gained independence in 1968.