KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Scores of guests attended a reception on December 8 in Brasilia, Brazil, to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the South American country and Jamaica.

The event, which was held at the residence of Jamaica’s Ambassador to Brazil, Her Excellency Alison Stone Roofe, also recognised Jamaica’s 55th anniversary of Independence.

The ambassador said that Jamaica’s relationship with Brazil was renewed with the establishment of “a full-fledged Jamaican Embassy in Brasilia”.

“It is our purest indication of how important a player Brazil is,” she said, adding that the embassy is a critical plank in the execution of Jamaica’s foreign policy in South America. The embassy assists in the effort to promote trade and investment opportunities and to deepen relations with Brazil.

“Jamaican diplomacy incorporates a unique brand of professionalism, respect for international norms and values, non-interference, a voice that is pushing for the development of small, vulnerable economies, which we insist are equally important on the international stage,” Stone Roofe said.

“The spirit of regionalism that we display to our CARICOM brothers and sisters is a critical element, and the multilateralism we embrace on the global stage towards all the countries represented here tonight, is equally important as a guiding principle,” she told the gathering.

Ambassador Stone Roofe thanked the diplomatic representatives from Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, who, she said, provide “support and friendship in unique and important ways”.

The reception was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, heads of un agencies, friends of Jamaica and staff of the Jamaican Embassy.