New Delhi, May 9 (Representative) Ahead of President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to Jamaica and St. Vincent & Grenadines from May 15-21, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday spoke with the Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina J Smith to discuss preparations for the first ever presidential visit from India to the two Caribbean countries. In a tweet, the EAM also said that he discussed with the Jamaican foreign minister her candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General. “Good to speak to FM @kaminajsmith of Jamaica. “Discussed preparations for the historic visit of President of India to Jamaica. “Was apprised of her candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General. Her strong credentials and vision bode well for the future of the Commonwealth.” The Jamaican Foreign Minister in a tweet posted about the upcoming visit by President Kovind and said the historic visit forms part of the recognition of 60 years of diplomatic ties between both sides.
“Jamaica looks forward to warmly welcoming to our shores, the Honourable President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. This historic visit will commence exactly one week from today, and forms part of our recognition of 60 years of Jamaica-India diplomatic relations.” On April 21, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith formally launched Jamaica’s candidature for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in London. She has pledged, if appointed, to lead the secretariat in re-energizing the delivery of meaningful support to all commonwealth member states. A decision on the appointment of a Secretary-General is to be made during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kigali, Rwanda from June 20 to 25 this year.
President Kovind will be in Jamaica from May 15 – 18 May, during which he will hold delegation level talks with his counterpart, the Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen. He will also meet the Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and other dignitaries. He will address the Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Jamaican Parliament. Jamaica and India have friendly relations. Jamaica is also one of the Girmitya countries with a 70,000 strong Indian diaspora, who act as a living bridge with India. The visit comes at a significant milestone as 2022 is the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jamaica. Furthermore, India and Jamaica are celebrating the 75th and 60th anniversary of their independence respectively.