PORT LOUIS, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Republic of Mauritius will regain sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, a group of remote but strategically important islands in the Indian Ocean, after more than half a century, the Mauritian Prime Minister's Office announced on Thursday.
In a joint statement issued by the Mauritian and British governments, the two sides confirmed that they have reached a "historic" political agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
"Today's political agreement is subject to the finalization of a treaty and supporting legal instruments, which both sides have committed to complete as quickly as possible. Under the terms of this treaty the United Kingdom will agree that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia," said the statement.
According to the statement, both countries "are committed to the need, and will agree in the treaty, to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security."
Following two years of negotiation, this is a "seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law," added the statement.
The Chagos Archipelago was hived off Mauritius in 1965 when the latter was a British colony. Britain has retained possession of the islands ever since, while Mauritius has continued to claim its sovereignty over them.
In February 2019, the International Court of Justice, also the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, handed Mauritius a victory when it concluded in an advisory opinion that the British government has "an obligation to bring to an end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible." ■
