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, reported Xinhua.

In a joint statement issued by the Mauritian and British governments, the two sides confirmed they have reached a “historic” political agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

“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...