SPEAKER HOLNESS TO LEAD DELEGATION ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO JAPAN

Press Release From The Houses of Parliament - 20250131

The Most Honourable Juliet Holness

Kingston, January 31, 2025 – Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, is set to depart Jamaica tomorrow, on an official visit to Japan from February 3 to 8, 2025 at the invitation of her counterpart, Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan. Speaker Holness will be accompanied by Members of Parliament - Ms. Tamika Davis, Mr. Dwight Sibblies and Dr. Morais Guy, as well as the Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Ms. Colleen Lowe.

This is a significant occasion, as it will be the first official visit to Japan by a Jamaican Speaker, underscoring the importance of this inter-parliamentary engagement. The visit is being undertaken in the context of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan, as well as the 2nd Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year.

While in Japan, Speaker Holness will participate in high-level meetings with parliamentarians, including the Chair of the Japan-Caribbean Parliamentary Friendship League, Mr. Hiroshige Seko, to exchange views and enhance parliamentary dialogue. She will also meet with   ministers of government and other government officials as well as business leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Japan is considered one of Jamaica's key development partners, with both nations having strong cooperation in several areas, including disaster risk management, agriculture, energy, security, education, and culture.

Jamaica and Japan established diplomatic relations on 16th March 1964, with 2024 marking the 60th anniversary of these relations. A series of activities have been undertaken to celebrate this milestone anniversary, including the exchange of visits at the political, economic and people-to-people levels.

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