Two high-level officials from the European Union (EU) are set to visit Jamaica on a three-day mission from July 18 to 20.

The high-level mission includes the European Commission’s deputy director general of international partnerships, Myriam Ferran and Javier Niño Pérez, deputy managing director of the Americas at the European Union External Action Service.

The EU and Jamaica established diplomatic relations in 1975 and this visit forms part of steady efforts to bolster the political dimension of the partnership.

“The strength of the EU-Jamaica partnership rests on shared values and a commitment to democratic principles, international law and effective multilateralism. The EU wants to engage more with Jamaica and with the Caribbean to promote peace and security, partner on the digital and green transitions and ensure economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m looking forward to visiting Jamaica and meeting with the Government’s representatives to take stock of our bilateral relations and to identify key areas of common interest where we can further strengthen our ties,” said Pérez.

Key activities for the visit include participation in the annual political dialogue with the Government of Jamaica, opening of the EU Delegation’s new office/Europe Day celebration and launch of the Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean (H2O) Project.

Currently, the EU is the largest provider of grant funding to Jamaica, with a major roster of programmes aimed at improving citizen security, eliminating gender-based violence and promoting environmental
protection, among other objectives.

For her part, Ferran explained that connectivity and innovation are at the heart of the EU’s new phase of programming.

“The EU has been and intends to remain a reliable development partner to Jamaica. This visit marks the launching of the EU’s Global Gateway, a new European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.”

Marianne Van Steen, EU Ambassador to Jamaica, said this mission would help to redefine the EU-Jamaica partnership.

She asserted, “We’re very pleased to welcome our officials from Brussels for this highly important visit. The upcoming political dialogue and the opening of our new office signal that we’re energised by the possibilities of our partnership with Jamaica.”