Media Statement

31 July 2012

President Zuma to visit the Commonwealth of Jamaica

His Excellency President Jacob Zuma will on 04 August 2012 depart for Kingston, Commonwealth of Jamaica, for a Working Visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Jamaica, Her Excellency Portia Simpson Miller.

The President's visit forms part of the year-long celebrations in Jamaica to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica's independence.

The visit will further enhance the strong bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries; recognise the role played by Jamaica in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa; and celebrate Jamaica's achievements as an independent, stable and constitutional parliamentary democracy.

South Africa and Jamaica have agreed to celebrate the African National Congress' (ANC's) Centenary and Jamaica's Golden Jubilee jointly in 2012.

This is President Zuma's first working to Jamaica.

President Zuma is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and will exchange views on strengthening relations between the two countries, as well as on issues of mutual concern, both in the bilateral and multilateral spheres.

In terms of advancing bilateral cooperation, Jamaica and South Africa signed an Agreement for Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and Culture in 2009.

President Zuma will be accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman.

For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, +27 82 884 5974

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

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