President Goodluck Jonathan and Jamaican Prime Minister, Simpson Miller have expressed worry over the status of Jamaica-Nigeria Technical Cooperation in Oil, following the suspension of oil facility of the two countries.
A joint communique issued on the President’s two-day state visit to Jamaica stated that, in reviewing the state of bilateral relations, Miller and Jonathan also discussed the resumption of the Nigerian Technical Aids Corps Programme (TAC), under which Nigerian Professionals had, in the past, been deployed to Jamaica to share their know-how and expertise in fields such as nursing, education and woodcarving.
“They agreed that both countries would explore cooperation in this area once more, as well as in the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)”, the communique issued by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati stated.
The communique noted that the visit allowed for the further enhancement of bilateral relations and provided for the continuation of the high-level dialogue and cooperation between the two governments.
It stated: “President Jonathan and Prime Minister Simpson Miller acknowledged the need for further attention to be given to the Jamaica-Nigeria Bilateral Air Services Agreement. The Agreement would enable Jamaica to serve as a gateway for Nigeria and Africa into the wider Caribbean region as well as a hub for goods and services.?
“President Jonathan thanked Prime Minister Simpson Miller for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and expressed particular appreciation of the honour accorded to him to address the Special Commemorative Joint Session of Parliament held on Thursday, 2nd August 2012.
“Prime Minister Simpson Miller spoke to the need for reform of the UN Security Council so as to create a more democratic, representative and transparent institution. She pointed to the need for permanent representation from other regions, including Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean and noted the aspiration of African countries such as Nigeria, in having a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
“Prime Minister Simpson Miller congratulated Nigeria on its successful candidature to the African Union, for the prestigious post of Commissioner for Political Affairs, noting the importance of the AU for the development, peace and security of the African continent”.
Accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience, Jonathan was received by Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica and the Prime Minister of Jamaica, as well as members of her Cabinet.
He attended the Special Commemorative Joint Session of Parliament dedicated to Jamaica’s Independence Jubilee and addressed the assembly.
The President visited Liberty Hall and the Marcus Garvey Museum in Kingston, which serve as a significant educational, social, cultural and intellectual centre and a living monument to the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, who dedicated his life to the upliftment of Africa and peoples of African descent everywhere.
Jonathan offered to provide the Museum with additional photographic and video material on Nigeria.
He also visited the Jubilee Village where he viewed the ‘Mello Go Roun’ cultural presentation. The President met with members of the Nigerian Diaspora in Jamaica.
?The Jamaican delegation at the bilateral meeting included Senator the Honourable A.J. Nicholson, Q.C., Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, Minister of Finance and Planning; Hon. Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth and Culture; Hon. Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining; Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, Minister with responsibility for Information, and several other Government officials.?
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