Seychelles and Cuba build on the past and seize opportunities for the future
VICTORIA, Mahé, November 30, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — President Michel held extensive talks with President Raul Castro today (Sunday 29th November) as he kicks off his official state visit to Cuba.
In the meeting, the President hailed the extraordinary relations that exist between the two countries based on many years of mutual support and assistance. In the discussions, the two leaders discussed the possibilities of enhancing cooperation in the health and education sectors particularly.
Seychelles and Cuba signed an Integrated Health Programme agreement (PIS agreement) in July 2009 which sets out the framework for cooperation between the two countries. There are currently 21 Cuban doctors working in Seychelles under the agreement.
In future cooperation, the two presidents discussed the possibility of setting up pilot projects to make use of advanced Cuban techniques to combat leptospirosis and diabetes as well as other diseases that affect the health of Seychellois. In recent years, Cuba has become a pioneer in the development of pharmaceutical products and biotechnology.
The two leaders also discussed the means of enhancing training in the medical sector by turning Victoria Hospital into a teaching hospital for local doctors with support of Cuban experts. This cooperation would also be done with the support of the newly set up University of Seychelles.
The extension of scholarships for Seychellois was also discussed.
President Michel and President Castro also expressed their shared concern regarding ongoing negotiations relating to climate change in the context of the forthcoming Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change to be held in December. Both Presidents expressed their dissatisfaction with negotiations thus far and called on the developed world to pledge resources to climate change mitigation as well as take concrete action to curb emissions substantially.
“As two island nations- Seychelles and Cuba are on the front line of climate change. We have to continue in our fight to ensure that the voices of islands are heard in the debate of climate change. It is the duty of islands to support each other in this crucial battle for mankind. We must continue to be the voices of reason despite the irrationality of inaction which prevails”, the President commented after the meeting.
President Michel also organised a meeting with the 22 Seychellois students currently studying in Cuba, where they had a chance to exchange views on a number of subjects. The meeting was an opportunity for the students to get the Head of State’s direct views on many issues affecting their country including the economic reforms and the threat of piracy. Nelson Charles, a PHD student in agriculture, thanked the President and the government on behalf of his fellow students, for the support in their studies and said that they are fully embracing the opportunity that their studies in Cuba is offering for them to empower themselves.
“In an increasingly globalised world, education is the key for islands such as Seychelles and Cuba to compete. We must seize every opportunity to develop the skills of our population and we appreciate the support of Cuba in this regard”, the President noted.
SOURCE
Republic of Seychelles – Office of the President
