Ambassador Ian Madeleine presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Mr. Miguel Diaz-Canel, as non-resident Ambassador, in Havana on 15 April in the Presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bruno RobrÍguez Parilla.

President Diaz-Canel acknowledged the excellent and longstanding relations between Cuba and Seychelles and expressed his wish for cooperation between the two countries to be elevated to new heights.

During his accreditation visit Ambassador Madeleine also met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anayansi Rodriguez Camejo, where he expressed appreciation for the support Seychelles is receiving in the health sector and acknowledged the valuable contributions of Cuban doctors in the Seychelles healthcare service.  Ambassador Madeleine also thanked the Cuban Government for the various scholarships and training opportunities that the Cuba continues to extend to young Seychellois, particularly in the field of Medicine, and conveyed that Seychelles wishes to maintain this important partnership. 

Consolidating efforts at the Multilateral level on issues of consequence to Small Island Developing States including Climate Change and the adoption of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, was identified as an area where the two countries can strengthen their collaboration.

Whilst he was in Cuba, Ambassador Madeleine also met with Seychellois students currently studying in Cuba in the Medical field. It was an opportunity to exchange with the students on their studies and aspirations.

The 12th of April marked the forty-fifth Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Cuba.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.