Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith on Thursday reaffirmed the strong relations between Jamaica and Spain, noting that the European country has played an important role in contributing to the island’s economic goals.

Johnson Smith cited investments in the tourism sector as an example, noting that Spanish investment in the tourism sector has surpassed US$2.5 billion.

These projects include the Grand Palladium Hotel in Hanover, which began in February and will add 950 new rooms to Jamaica’s tourism stock and include housing for 550 staff members.

She added that in January, the countries finalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for International Cooperation on Tourism which seeks to boost collaboration in gastronomy, human capital development, and resilience.

“The expansion of Spain’s economic cooperation is a great demonstration of confidence in Jamaica as a destination for investments,” Johnson-Smith said in her address at the Spain National Day reception at the Spanish ambassador’s residence in St Andrew.

Spanish Ambassador José María Fernández López de Turiso noted that trade and investment remain a priority in its bilateral relations with Jamaica.

“Spain is the fastest-growing economy in the Eurozone, and this growth benefits Jamaica as well through investments. So for another consecutive year, Spain has established itself as one of the largest investors in Jamaica, and the largest investor in absolute terms in the tourism industry,” he said.

Jamaica and Spain established diplomatic relations in December 1966. Bilateral relations between both countries have strengthened significantly over the past decade. Aside from tourism, the countries cooperate in the areas of education (particularly the promotion of Spanish language training), sport, agriculture and health.

**Video by Llewellyn Wynter**