Seychelles and Cuba: partners in sustainability |29 May 2012

Mr Adam, who was on an official visit to that Caribbean island last week, said that the necessity of reducing dependency on fuel and mitigating the effects of spiralling costs were central to the discussions held as the fundamental element to ensuring sustainable development for both nations. He added that plans were underway to facilitate collaborations and discussions between the Seychelles energy sector and their Cuban counterparts.

“The relationship between our countries is anchored in this ongoing quest for sustainability,” said the minister.

“Cuba and Seychelles have defied geography through our cooperation where despite being separated by oceans and continents, our two peoples have built a partnership based on a sincere belief that by investing in the health and education of our respective peoples, we are building a more sustainable world.”

The two ministers also discussed other areas of cooperation which includes education and health. Following the signing of a new health agreement during the visit of Vice-President Danny Faure to Cuba earlier this year, Minister Adam and his counterpart discussed practical ways in which to implement improvements such as increasing the number of Cuban experts deployed to Seychelles, and varying their fields of expertise.

In addition to the traditional areas of cooperation they also discussed new engagements in agriculture, climate change, disaster management and trade.

During his visit, Minister Adam was also invited to lay a commemorative wreath at the memorial of Jose Marti, who led the war of independence of Cuba from Spain in the 19th century.

Minister Adam, who left Cuba last Friday, also held talks with various other high level government officials.