Jamaica Commits To Closer Ties with South Africa

The Government of Jamaica has pledged to continue to work with the Republic of South Africa in strengthening bilateral partnerships for the benefit of the people of both countries.

This commitment came from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, while addressing a reception to celebrate the 24^th anniversary of South Africa’s Freedom Day, held on Thursday (May 10) at the Terra Nova Hotel, St. Andrew.

Freedom Day marks the liberation of South Africa and its people from a period of colonialism and apartheid, which officially existed from 1948 to 1994.

Minister Johnson Smith said there has been a significant increase in the level of cooperation between the countries.

She mentioned the Joint Commission on Science and Technology and agreements under consideration, including on air services “which is set to foster greater people-to-people movement and functional cooperation between our two countries”.

“These objectives will form a major part of the mandate of our new High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Angella Comfort, who will take up her duties in short order in Pretoria,” she added.

Charge d’Affaires at the South African High Commission, Phillip Riley, said the engagement between the countries is bringing tangible results.

He noted, for example, that the bilateral cooperation on science, technology and innovation has resulted in the commencement of joint research, effective March this year.

He said that the partnership is aimed at contributing towards scientific advancement in both countries through the joint funding of research activities in specified fields.

Mr. Riley cited other agreements that “support the eradication of poverty and address the inequality that characterise most modern societies, issues which disproportionately confront women and children and other vulnerable groups”.