Dear Editor,

I was recently greeted with news that Minister Audley Shaw is to visit Israel for talks. Normally this would pass as routine; however, recall that last December the Government was heavily criticised for abstaining in the vote at the UN General Assembly on a resolution to declare as “null and void” US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Responding to the media, the prime minister said that Jamaica did not need to take a position on another country’s decision on where to locate its embassy.

Israel has long declared that Jerusalem is the capital; however, countries have not recognised such due to the disputed nature of that city.

By abstaining from a vote that had zero consequence for Jamaica, one can argue that it does more to uphold individual freedom of nations.

What should be of greater interest is development of relations between Jamaica and Israel since the UN vote.

This Government has been forming new partnerships with new allies. This is a grand play on the global scene. This country has depended on the traditional partners for far too long. This seems like a well formulated move.

In world affairs, business is conducted based on common interest and mutual benefits. It would do well for our foreign minister and diplomats to always remember that.

Javon Moatt

moattj@hotmail.com