Havana, April 27(RHC)-- The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles, Claude Morel underscored Cuba's role in his country's development model, particularly in health and education.

In his remarks at Wednesday's official opening of the embassy of African Union nation in Cuba, Morel noted that Seychelles is placed 63rd in the UNDP's 2016 report on world human development. He said Seychelles holds the top position among all African nations and thanked Cuba for its role.

The Seychelles top diplomat commended the work being carried out in his country by Cuban professionals in the health and education sectors, as well as in environmental protection, agriculture, sports and culture.

Regarding the opening of the embassy in Cuba –the first of Seychelles in the entire Latin American and Caribbean region-- Foreign Minister Morel said the embassy is 'a symbol of fraternity and an expression of the longstanding ties, which have stood the test of time.' Morel added that the embassy will serve as a bridge between the Seychelles and the rest of the Caribbean.

The flag of the Republic of Seychelles now flies on 43rd Street and Avenida Kholy, in Nuevo Vedado, Havana.

Wednesday's opening ceremony of the Seychelles embassy was attended by the African nation's President Danny Foure, who is here in Havana on an official visit.

Also on Wednesday, President Faure held talks with Cuban Parliament President Esteban Lazo, and paid tribute to National Hero José Martí at Havana's Revolution Square.

Cuba and Seychelles established diplomatic relations on April 12, 1978, and maintain close cooperation in health and education, as well as in the sports, cultural, economic and social spheres.

According to official data,16 young Seychelles students are currently studying here. President Danny Faure himself studied here in Cuba, where he obtained a degree in Political Sciences in 1985.