Website: http://www.mfaft.gov.jm/

Inception

With independence, Jamaica gained full responsibility for its security and defenses as well as its relations with the international community. On that basis, the country was able to:

• negotiate treaties and agreements which protect Jamaica's national interests;

• set up consular services in foreign countries to protect the interests of Jamaican's overseas;
• collect and analyze information on political, economic, trade and social developments issues which have an impact on the island's national goals; and

• participate in multilateral activities through membership in international and regional organizations.

To achieve these objectives, the Ministry of External Affairs was established at Independence on 6 August 1962. The name was changed to Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1976, in an effort to more accurately reflect the portfolio responsibilities of the Ministry. The name was later changed to include the Ministry of Foreign Trade in order to encapsulate the economic responsibilities of the Ministry.

Objectives

• promoting friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and other countries through political and diplomatic channels;

• promoting international peace and security;

• providing effective representation of the Government of Jamaica overseas through resident diplomatic missions and consular posts;

• ensuring Jamaica's participation in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora towards the conclusion of mutually beneficial agreements;

• monitoring and responding appropriately to external political and economic developments which impact on national development goals;

• ensuring Jamaica's compliance with its obligations under bilateral, regional and international agreements;

• creating opportunities for foreign trade, investment and tourism;

• negotiating technical cooperation agreements which promote Jamaica's development objectives;

• securing development assistance and debt relief for Jamaica;

• projecting a positive image of Jamaica overseas and developing international cultural and sporting contacts;

• protecting the interests of Jamaican nationals overseas, returning residents and visitors to Jamaica