Key Role in International Relations

International relations forging closer ties between Jamaica and the rest of the world were among the areas of focus of the Simpson Miller administration in 2006.

Jamaica and Malaysia Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

            In May, Mrs. Simpson Miller held her first bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Jamaica House. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening these relations through the exchange of visits and cooperation in the economic, technological, shipping, health and educational sectors, among other areas.

            In a joint communiqué after the meeting on May 2, the leaders said the relationship between the two countries was underpinned by a strong adherence to democratic values, multilateralism and South-South cooperation, which had resulted in close cooperation both at the bilateral and multilateral levels, particularly within the context of the United Nations, Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 and China, as well as the Group of 15.

            Prime Minister Simpson Miller reiterated the country’s appreciation for the technical assistance the Malaysian government had provided for the Highway 2000 Millennium Project, while Mr. Abdullah expressed his willingness to continue to work with Jamaica on international issues affecting both countries, particularly as these relate to all developing nations.

            In trade and investment, the Prime Ministers agreed on measures to be taken to promote business opportunities, bilateral trade and investment, and emphasized the need for the private sectors of both states to work together to improve trade and investment opportunities. The Malaysian private sector was encouraged to invest in the island’s infrastructure, construction and housing sectors.

            It was agreed to explore areas for possible cooperation between the Port Authority of Jamaica and the Port Klang Authority of Malaysia.

            The Prime Ministers agreed to expedite the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in education, while in agriculture, they agreed that the island could benefit from collaboration with Malaysia in coconut growing, specifically to combat lethal yellowing disease. Prime Minister Simpson Miller also expressed interest in receiving technical assistance in the cultivation of palm oil to be used in the development of an edible oil agro-processing plant.

            In addition, in recognition of the need for joint and coordinated actions to combat the spread of infectious diseases, it was agreed to exchange information to deal with the Avian Flu.

Jamaica/Chile Relations Strengthened

            In June, Chile’s first female Head of Government, Her Excellency, Dr. Michelle Bachelet paid a one-day working visit to Jamaica, with the highlight of the visit being a private meeting  with Prime Minister Simpson Miller. 

            The two countries agreed to implement a number of specific programmes aimed at promoting deeper cooperation in economic activities and trade, educational exchange and sports. 

            A visa abolition agreement for    persons travelling on official passports was also signed between Jamaica and Chile, while it was agreed that work would to continue on the conclusion of an air services agreement to facilitate better trade and tourism flows between the two countries. The agreement also acted as a stimulus for the utilization of Montego Bay as an air transport hub for the transshipment of Chilean cargo to Europe. 

            Mrs. Simpson Miller said both countries had agreed to undertake joint action to promote business opportunities and stimulate increased levels of bilateral trade and investment.  Both Leaders also expressed mutual concern about the negative impact of rising energy costs, and agreed to explore bilateral cooperation in the area of renewable energy, with a view to diversifying the energy base of their respective economies. 

            It was also agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding would be concluded between Jamaica and Chile on an exchange programme for the training of language teachers in English and Spanish, particularly at the primary and early childhood levels.

            President Bachelet said the election of two women Heads of Government within the Hemisphere was a sign that things are changing for the region.  She said a lot was expected of both her and Prime Minister Simpson Miller, and that they would be working assiduously to achieve their goals and vision for their respective countries.