The Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Cuba to Seychelles, H.E. Mrs Iraida de la Caridad Guerrero Zúñiga, has held talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Barry Faure, with health and education high on the agenda.
The meeting took place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy in Mont Fleuri, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing bilateral relations between Seychelles and Cuba.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions centred on cooperation in health and education, areas that have been central to relations between the two countries. The two sides also explored further collaboration in sports and culture, as well as the sharing of expertise through exchanges involving diplomatic staff.
The meeting acknowledged Cuba’s progress in several sectors despite the long-standing embargo on the country. Particular reference was made to advances in biotechnology, which were evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs Guerrero Zúñiga says she looks forward to working closely with the Ministry to build on the foundation established by her predecessor. The Ministry says she expressed her commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador-designate is due to present her credentials to President Patrick Herminie at State House on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at 09:00. She will also pay a courtesy call on Vice-President Sebastien Pillay later the same day.
Mrs Guerrero Zúñiga will be the 12th Cuban ambassador accredited to Seychelles. She replaces Mrs Martha Hernandez Caneiro, who was accredited in September 2021.
Diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Cuba were established on 12 April 1978.
Mrs Guerrero Zúñiga holds a bachelor’s degree in international political relations from the Raúl Roa García Higher Institute of International Relations in Havana, obtained in 1991.