President Michel in extensive talks with Cuban leader
01.12.2009
President James Michel held extensive talks with President Raul Castro on Sunday as he began his official state visit to Cuba.
At the meeting, Mr Michel hailed the extraordinary relations between the two countries based on many years of mutual support and assistance. The two leaders then discussed the possibilities of enhancing cooperation in the health and education sectors particularly.
Seychelles and Cuba signed an integrated health programme agreement in July this year, which sets out the framework for cooperation between the two countries. There are now 21 Cuban doctors working in Seychelles under the agreement.
On 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 developing pharmaceutical products and biotechnology.
The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance training in the medical sector by turning Victoria hospital into a teaching hospital for local doctors, with the support of Cuban experts. This cooperation would also have support from 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 on climate change in the context of the forthcoming Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change to be held this month.
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 our fight to ensure that the voices of islands are heard in the debate on climate change,” said Mr Michel after the meeting.
“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.”
Mr Michel also organised a meeting with the 22 Seychellois students now studying in Cuba, where they had a chance to exchange views on a number of subjects. The meeting was a chance for the students to get his 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 Mr Michel and the government on behalf of his fellow students for the support in their studies in Cuba and said they are fully embracing the opportunity offered 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,” added Mr Michel.