Indonesia-Jamaica Commemorate 40 Years Of Diplomatic Relations

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Jamaica commemorated 40 years of diplomatic relations by holding a virtual meeting between business people from the two countries.

The virtual event facilitated meetings for more than 100 Indonesian and Jamaican businesspeople, according to the Indonesian Embassy in Havana, quoted by Antara, Sunday, December 19.

The event was officially opened by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi and attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jamaica Kamina Johnson-Smith.

In her opening remarks, Foreign Minister Retno said that during the 40 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Jamaica, the two countries have established trust and good cooperation in a number of fields.

"This virtual business meeting will bring the closeness of the business community from Indonesia and Jamaica to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kamina said that since the establishment of the Indonesia-Jamaica Joint Commission in 1996, the two countries have established cooperation in a number of fields, including agriculture, tourism, research and research.

"Jamaica hopes to continue to improve bilateral relations, especially in the fields of trade and investment with Indonesia," he said.

In terms of social services, Foreign Minister Kamina also gave his appreciation to a number of Indonesian monks who carry out their services to Jamaicans through Missionaries for the Poor in Kingston. Currently, there are more than 20 Indonesian monks living in the country.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Cuba and Jamaica, Nana Yuliana, said that Jamaica is one of Indonesia's important trading partners in the Caribbean region.

Even during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Indonesia's trade volume is in a surplus against Jamaica.

In 2020, Indonesia achieved a trade surplus of US$15.89 million (Rp228 billion) against Jamaica. Meanwhile, in the January–September 2021 period, Indonesia achieved a surplus of 11.81 million US dollars (Rp 169 billion).

"Hopefully in the future the value of Indonesia-Jamaica trade will continue to increase and be equal with the help of a good commitment from the Indonesian Honorary Consul and cooperation in a number of leading fields, including sports and education," said Ambassador Nana.