‘A deep-rooted and close relationship’

The Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla yesterday morning called on President James Michel and Vice-President Danny Faure at State House.  

Mr Parrilla, who is leading a delegation comprising Orlando Alvarez, Chargé D’Affaires at the Cuban embassy; Angel Villa Hernandez, director of Sub-Saharan Africa Division of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; and Ernesto Gomez Diaz, advisor to the minister, was on a one-day working visit in Seychelles, as part of a regional diplomatic tour. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam as well as the President's diplomatic adviser, Ambassador Callixte d'Offay also accompanied the delegation at State House.

Mr Michel welcomed Minister Parrilla on his first visit to Seychelles and expressed his gratitude for the on-going support provided by the Republic of Cuba as well as acknowledging the consistent effort to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

"The government of Seychelles wishes to express its gratitude towards the on-going cooperation with the Republic of Cuba and which has been successful. It is a testimony of the deep-rooted and close relationship that exists between our two nations, undoubtedly strengthened by the many instances of positive collaboration,” said President Michel.

During the meeting, President Michel and Minister Parilla discussed areas in which Seychelles and Cuba shared mutual interests such as the fight against climate change and the ‘blue economy’ concept, and the interest of the Republic of Cuba to enhance its relations with the African Union, Latin Africa, Caribbean states and other small islands in the Pacific.

“We can work together and support one another in the interests of the small island nations in order to promote peace. I thank the Republic of Cuba for supporting Seychelles in its fight against climate change and for promoting the ‘blue economy’ concept. The ocean is very important for us and we must find ways to retain its ownership and we know that we can count on Cuba for the mutual support,” Mr Michel highlighted.

On his part Mr Parrilla expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality received since his arrival in Seychelles and how pleased he is with the level of relations between Seychelles and Cuba. He further reiterated Cuba’s commitment to participating constructively in all areas of cooperation whereby both countries share common goals and challenges.

He said the visit is an expression of the excellent development of bilateral relations between Seychelles and Cuba and the willingness on both sides to enhance them and the commitment to explore cooperation in different fields.

Speaking to the press after the meeting Minister Adam also warmly welcomed Mr Parilla and hailed the close and exemplary partnership which exists between Seychelles and Cuba.

“The visit is also an expression of the solidarity which exists between between Cuba and island nations of the Carribean and Africa,” said Minister Adam.

He said during the talks with President Michel and Vice-President Faure they have reviewed the great ties of solidarity which exist between our two countries.

Mr Parilla and his delegation later yesterday held further talks with Minister Adam and the Minister for Health Mitcy Larue and also paid a courtesy call on and held talks with the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie at Ile Du Port.

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