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Message of Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Jamaica

July 23, 2004

40 years ago, Japan and Jamaica exchanged notes to officially establish diplomatic relations in the capital of the United States of America. On behalf of the Government and People of Japan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend warmest greetings and wishes to the Government and People of Jamaica.

Though Japan and Jamaica are not privileged with geographical proximity, the two countries have overcome the physical distance to enjoy close and friendly ties through cooperation and exchanges in the various fields in the past 40 years. Such relationship was further fostered by the visit of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino to Jamaica in 1997 and of the Honorable P. J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, to Japan in 1998.

As a prominent leader and spokesman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Jamaica has always played an important role to widen our path to the region. Jamaica established a diplomatic mission in Tokyo in early 1990's. Then, Jamaica took an initiative to pave the way for annual Japan-CARICOM Consultation, which has significantly contributed to the development of Japan-CARICOM relations during the past 10 years.

I am confident that our two countries will continue to find each other a trustful partner to address challenges that the world faces at this time of globalization and interdependence.