The UK has agreed to relinquisu sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean, to Mauritius.

The islands have been been in British hands since 1814.

Plans to return the islands to Mauritius were set to be dropped last year after opposition.

A joint statement issued by the UK and Mauritian governments said: “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.

“Negotiations have been conducted in a constructive and respectful manner, as equal sovereign States, on the basis of international law, and with the intention of resolving all outstanding issues between the United Kingdom and Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago, including those relating to its former inhabitants.”

It added: “Today’s political agreement is subject to the finalisation 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.

“At the same time, both our 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.”

For an initial period of 99 years, the United Kingdom will be authorised to exercise with respect to Diego Garcia “the sovereign rights and authorities of Mauritius required to ensure the continued operation of the base well into the next century”, the statement explained.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “Today’s agreement secures this vital military base for the future.”

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