Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith is currently in the United Kingdom for the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Minister Meeting, the ministry said.

Johnson Smith will conduct high-level engagements with the UK government, and meet with members of the Diaspora while she visits London.

The Minister noted that the meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers— which is slated to convene on Wednesday— is of added significance, as 2023 marks 10 years since the signing of the Commonwealth Charter.

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, that expresses the commitment of member states to the promotion of prosperity and sustainable development that improves the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth. It also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme,” Johnson Smith said.

“Critical discussions will be held on climate finance and action, intra-Commonwealth trade, digital connectivity, food security and other issues around building resilience for a peaceful and just global community,” she added.

During her visit, Johnson Smith will also meet with her UK counterpart to discuss bilateral matters as well as Jamaica’s imminent hosting of the Jamaica-UK Strategic Dialogue and the Caribbean-UK Forum.

“Jamaica and the United Kingdom enjoy vibrant relations. Continual engagement at this level is essential for maintaining focus on matters critical to our countries from both bilateral and multilateral perspectives,” the minister said.

She added that she is also looking forward to meeting with Jamaicans residing in London, which is customary when she goes overseas on official travel.

“I look forward, as always, to meeting with our nationals in London, to listen to their perspectives, answer their questions and to share news of developments in Jamaica,” Johnson Smith said.