Outgoing Cuban ambassador calls on President Ramkalawan |24 September 2021
Ambassador Pino and his wife in a souvenir photograph with President Ramkalawan (Photo: Jude Morel)
The outgoing ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Seychelles, Juan Humberto Macias Pino, paid a farewell call on President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House yesterday morning, following his five-year tenure.
The ambassador, who was accompanied by his wife Luz Alina Santana Suarez, discussed with President Ramkalawan matters relating to the relations between Cuba and Seychelles, and cooperation in the fields of health, education, sports and more.
President Ramkalawan conveyed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Pino for his efforts in further developing the relationship between Seychelles and Cuba during his tenure. The president further expressed wish that the relationship continues to grow.
“We look forward to closely working with your successor, in the same spirit to further consolidate our relationship. We would equally like to express our gratitude for the role you have played as dean of the diplomatic corps since February 2020. You have played your part very well in uniting the diplomatic community here in Seychelles” said President Ramkalawan.
Ambassador Pino conveyed his satisfaction at the mission, and especially government’s support in the country’s fight to have blockades imposed on it removed.
“We thank the government and the people of Seychelles for their support. We have always, both our countries voted against the blockades, and in international forums like the African Union (AU). We enjoy since November 2016, five years on my mission as ambassador of Cuba to this beautiful country, surrounded by beautiful people, and considering the very, very good relationship between our two countries,” Ambassador Pino said.
“Our mission is to realise all missions in Seychelles. As you know, we have in Seychelles more than 70 Cuban collaborators in health and medicine, and our Cuban collaborators are fighting everyday against Covid-19 in the clinics and hospitals, working day and night and attending to the people of Seychelles. I thank the government, the authorities in Seychelles, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State House, as I have good friends in the government and institutions in this beloved country. I have only good memories of this mission, of the people, in my life. This mission in Seychelles was fruitful for our personal and professional development,” the ambassador stated.
He further added that the two countries enjoy a good and fruitful relationship, despite the change in government.
The ambassador is due to leave the country on Monday September 27.
Also present for the farewell call at State House was the principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave and the principal counsellor, Myrna Hoareau.
Laura Pillay