The chain of islands in the Indian Ocean includes Diego Garcia — used by the U.S. government as a base for its navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft.
Under the agreement struck Thursday, Diego Garcia itself will remain under U.K. and U.S. jurisdiction for at least the next 99 years to allow the base to keep running.
But the joint statement says the deal “will address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians.”
Mauritius will implement a program of resettlement on all islands apart from Diego Garcia, the agreement promises, while the U.K. will provide a package of financial support for infrastructure projects to boost economic development on the islands.
Britain only recently acknowledged Mauritius had any claim to the islands, and the political agreement — subject to a formal treaty — comes after years of negotiations that began under the last Conservative administration.
“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,” the two governments said in a joint statement.