Havana, August 20 (RHC)-- The President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, has described Cuba’s assistance to his country "if not the best, one of the best" -- and he acknowledged the work of the Cuban Medical Brigade that has been present in his country for some 20 years.

The Haitian leader made these remarks at a ceremony at the National Palace where he received 23 young Haitian recipients of scholarships from the Cuban Government.

"They were ranked best in competitions, they come from all over the country and I wish them every success in their studies," Moïse said.

The 23 students will begin their studies in September in the fields of medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, telecommunications, civil engineering, agronomy and medical technology.

]In Cuba, they will join hundreds of Haitians currently studying and who are expected to join the ranks of some 1,500 Haitians who have already graduated from Cuban universities

According to Moïse, Haiti needs specialists in biotechnology, construction, agriculture, public administration and he stressed that the opportunities offered by Cuba will allow the socio-economic development of the nation.

Moïse urged students to take advantage of the opportunity to study on the island and to return to their communities to contribute to the development of Haiti.

The Ministers of Public Health and Population and of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Marie Gretta,  Roy Clement,  and Antonio Rodriguez, respectively, participated in the event; as well as other government officials and representatives of the Embassy of Cuba in Haiti.