PRESS RELEASE
HISTORIC SIGNING AT THE UN:
JAMAICA AND THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
NEW YORK – Today, the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the Republic of Liberia formalized the establishment of Diplomatic Relations during a Signing Ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters, in the margins of the High-Level Week segment of the 77th General Assembly.
The establishing Joint Communiqué was signed on behalf of Jamaica by Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and by His Excellency Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Liberia is historic, and is in line with the foreign policy objective of the Government of Jamaica to deepen engagement with the African continent, and to identify, together with opportunities for cultural, technical and people-to-people exchanges, specific opportunities for enhancing trade and investment.
During the Ceremony, Minister Johnson Smith said, “I am so pleased that the day has come when we finally formalize diplomatic relations with Africa’s first republic. Significant informal connections already exist, but now the possibilities for cooperation between our two countries are endless. We look forward to strengthening our historic bonds as we work together at the bilateral and multilateral levels to attain sustainable development.”
Both Ministers expressed their pride and honour in recognizing that the First Lady of Liberia, Her Excellency Ambassador Clar Marie Weah is Jamaican. They warmly exchanged views regarding the positive platform for cooperation, already signaled by this highest level presence and engagement.
Both Ministers also asserted their intent to ensure that these newly established channels will be rapidly operationalized through the relevant diplomatic channels.
