KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica and Brazil have committed to deepening their bilateral relationship with the signing of a new cooperation programme.

The agreement underscores the countries’ shared goals of advancing sustainable development, fostering academic exchange, and improving regional security.

It focuses on enhancing collaboration in key sectors such as sports, healthcare, education and energy transition.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Kamina Johnson Smith, in her remarks at the signing ceremony held recently at the ministry’s downtown  Kingston headquarters, highlighted Brazil’s leadership in the renewable energy sector, which she noted, serves as an inspiration for Jamaica’s own energy goals.

“Brazil achieved more than 80 per cent renewables in their energy mix, an inspiration to the world. Clearly, as Jamaica moves towards its goal of 50 per cent by 2030, cooperation with a country like Brazil will only lend impetus to our achievements in this regard,” she said.

Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with the island.

He said there is an opportunity for further collaboration, particularly in the areas of student mobility and cooperation between the countries’ universities.

Meanwhile, Minister Johnson Smith said that the countries have been in ongoing talks regarding the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti, which Brazil has played a key role in facilitating.

During Brazil’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council in 2024, the country helped approve a formal resolution to support the mission.

“We have been discussing the possibilities of the MSS transitioning into a peacekeeping operation for predictability of funding and other support from the United Nations (UN) system, and this is of great importance for Haiti’s return to peace, stability, and prosperity of its people,” Johnson Smith said.

The signing of the cooperation programme marks a significant step in the strengthening of diplomatic, economic and academic ties between Jamaica and Brazil.

Both nations expressed optimism that this partnership will help drive progress in their shared pursuit of sustainable development and regional peace.

— JIS