KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is set to host the Third Meeting of the Jamaica-Costa Rica Joint Commission in 2019, which is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Incoming Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica, Georgia Guillen-Grillo yesterday paid an introductory courtesy call on Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, to discuss strengthened partnership, especially in the areas of security, trade, culture, tourism and the environment.

During the meeting, the ministry said Charles Jr noted that the longstanding relationship between Jamaica and Costa Rica, “presents great partnership opportunities in tourism and trade.” He also welcomed Costa Rica’s further collaboration on security, education, environment, air transport, as well as ocean and coastal zone management in general.”

At the same time, Guillen-Grillo commended Jamaica’s success in cruise tourism and, while indicating her country’s own success in sustainable tourism, expressed Costa Rica’s interest in technical exchanges in this area.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said Guillén-Grillo also proposed that the two countries explore possibilities for collaboration in the area of youth development. In addition, the Chargé d’Affaires conveyed the interest of the Costa Rican Government in engaging Jamaica in South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

Costa Rica is home to one of the largest Jamaican Diaspora in Central America with approximately 64,000 Jamaicans, the majority of which resides in the coastal province of Limón.