VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles National Library and the National Library of Cuba have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster collaboration and cooperation in the field of librarianship, the first such agreement by the ‘José Martí’ National Library with a library on the African continent. It was the secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, David Andre, and the Vice-Minister for Culture of Cuba, Lizette Martinez Luzardo, who signed the MoU on behalf of the two libraries in a short ceremony held yesterday at the premises of the former.
The MoU seeks to enable both nations to enhance their efforts in exchanges of knowledge, resources, digitalisation and sharing, preservation and conservation of precious library materials, the use of modern technologies in the library sector, including the promotion of cultural heritage and educational development as well. “I believe that this MoU will help us to consolidate our friendship between the two nations and allow us to work better together,” said Vice-Minister Martinez Luzardo, who commended the Seychelles’ help to the Cuban nation.
Following the signing, Vice-Minister Martinez Luzardo presented a collection of books on the Cuban history, culture, heritage and popular public figures to the Seychelles National Library. It was principal librarian Anne-Mary Robert who accepted the donation. “As we move forward, let us celebrate the power of shared knowledge and the immense potential this partnership holds for the growth of both our libraries and our societies as a whole,” Mr Andre said.
