EU-Jamaica Political Dialogue Discusses Critical Global and National Issues
Honourable Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, led the Jamaican delegation, while Ms Helena König, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service in Brussels, Belgium, headed The EU’s delegation.
EU
The Political Dialogue focused on several critical issues of interest to Jamaica and the EU, in their respective jurisdictions, such as the rampant insecurity and multi-layered crisis in Haiti, the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East.
Deputy Secretary General Helena König in her remarks acknowledged that Jamaica and the EU are like-minded partners in many areas.
“Unsurprisingly, given Jamaica’s strong democratic traditions, we are strongly in tune, in terms of principles and values. We see eye to eye on issues such as climate change, the twin green and digital transitions, sustainable development, the rule of law and human rights, and the commitment to effective multilateralism,” she stated.
Referencing the successful EU-CELAC Summit held in Brussels on 17-18 July, Ms. König said, “One key deliverable of the summit is the implementation of the Global Gateway, our new global Connectivity Strategy which aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the EU’s relations with its partners in the region.”
The Global Gateway Investment Agenda package includes, inter alia digitalization, connectivity (building on the BELLA cable linking Europe with Latin America and the Caribbean), critical raw materials, sharing of satellite data (COPERNICUS reception centres), electrical networks, renewable energy, and vaccine production.
Minister Terrelonge in his remarks said, “Jamaica welcomes the participation of EU Member States in supporting our infrastructural development programme and projects, including the priority areas of inclusive digital technologies, global logistics hub and waste water management improvement, renewable energy and green bonds.”
On the challenge posed by climate change, both sides look forward to the 28th Conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) set to take place on December 12 in Dubai. Both parties agreed to continue their regular engagement on these and other critical issues, including Jamaica’s wish to be included in the EU’s Schengen visa waiver.
The annual Jamaica-EU political dialogue is convened under the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, which is the framework for cooperation between Member States of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the EU.
Other participants included EU Member States Ambassadors and high -level government officials from various ministries and departments.