EU and Jamaica celebrate 50 years of strong diplomatic ties

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Loop News 6 hrs ago

Dr Erja Askola, Head of the EU Delegation to Jamaica, Belize, and The Bahamas, is joined by Jamaicna politicians and diplomats to celebrate Europe Day. (Photo: Contributed)

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Jamaica marked 50 years of diplomatic relations with the island nation on Thursday evening, hosting a grand reception at its headquarters on Fairway Avenue in Kingston.

The milestone event celebrated five decades of close cooperation between Jamaica and the EU, grounded in shared values such as peace, democracy, multilateralism, and sustainable development.

Delivering her first Europe Day address in Jamaica, Dr Erja Askola, Head of the EU Delegation to Jamaica, Belize, and The Bahamas, reaffirmed the strength of the EU-Jamaica partnership and its enduring promise.

“This year we mark 50 years of strong relations between Jamaica and the European Union,” Dr. Askola said. “Half a century ago, our relationship started with common aspirations for development, fairness in international trade, human dignity, and opportunity. Today, we stand together as like-minded, trusted, and reliable partners in a strongly rooted partnership of equals.”

Dr Askola highlighted the EU’s longstanding support to Jamaica across a range of sectors, including education, justice reform, citizen security, climate resilience, gender equality, and the digital and green transitions. She noted that EU grant funding has supported key infrastructure developments such as roads, schools, police stations, health centers, water systems, and community facilities.

“Many Jamaicans may still remember that the road between Ocho Rios and Portland was built with EU funding,” she recalled.

On the economic front, Dr Askola emphasized the EU’s commitment to its tariff-free trade agreement with Jamaica under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). She noted that in 2024, 16 per cent of Jamaica’s exports went to the EU, making it the island’s second-largest export destination after the United States.

“There are no tariffs and there will be no tariffs on any Jamaican exports entering the EU market. No tariffs now, no tariffs in the future,” she declared, drawing applause from the audience.

Looking ahead, Dr Askola highlighted the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to bolster sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation, green energy, and transport connectivity.

She also emphasized the importance of cultural and educational exchange, pointing to programs such as Erasmus+, the EU Visitors Programme, and various cultural collaborations.

“Numerous Jamaican students, researchers, professionals, and cultural performers — as well as politicians, journalists, academics, and civil society leaders — have benefited from these programmes,” she said.

Dr Askola also paid tribute to Jamaica’s global cultural influence: “We deeply value Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage — its music, its arts, its unique sports spirit. From the global rhythm of reggae to visual arts and world-class athletes, Jamaica keeps inspiring.”

The 50th anniversary celebration brought together Jamaican government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, and representatives from the cultural and academic communities.

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