Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, May 9: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held talks with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina J Smith on Monday ahead of President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to the island nation, as India seeks to strengthen its cordial ties in the Caribbean.
In response to the Jamaican FM’s candidacy for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Jaishankar expressed confidence in her vision for the organization’s future.
This comes as President Ram Nath Kovind prepares to travel to Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) from May 15 to 21, marking the first time an Indian Head of State has visited these countries.
“Good to speak to FM @kaminajsmith of Jamaica. Discussed preparations for the historic visit of the 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,” Jaishankar wrote on twitter.
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.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 9, 2022
The Government of Jamaica has declared Kamina Johnson Smith’s candidacy for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda from June 20 to 25, 2022, will make a decision on the appointment of a Secretary-General.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, during the President’s visit, he would meet with his counterpart, Governor-General of Jamaica, Patrick Allen, at a delegation level. In addition, he will meet with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other dignitaries.
The President will also speak to a joint session of Jamaica’s two Houses of Parliament. India and Jamaica, for example, are commemorating their 75th and 60th years of independence, respectively.
