Above: Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan with Jamaican Culture Minister Lisa Hanna during his trip

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan have signed a series of cooperation agreements following bilateral talks in Kingston.

The agreements covered a range of issues including energy, trade, culture, air services and education, along with technical scientific cooperation.

“We are looking to further cooperation through the conclusion of an air service agreement allowing for Jamaica to serve as a gateway for Africa into the wider Caribbean region as well as a hub for goods and services,” Simpson Miller said.

The two countries will also look to resume the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps Programme, which allowed Nigerian professionals to be deployed to Jamaica to assist with training in areas like nursing, energy, sports and education.

“Cultural and educational exchanges, the sharing of best practices in sport and the boosting of trade, business and investment between our two countries are also areas in which we have agreed to explore for further cooperation,” she said. “I am confident that, following our earlier discussions on these matters, our two countries will work fervently to move our cooperation agenda forward.”

The Jamaican leader said Jamaica expected to soon host the next Jamaica-Nigeria Joint Commission.

Jamaica will also participate in the First African Global Diaspora Summit, she said, as Jamaica supports the “movement towards greater cooperation, solidarity and involvement of the African Diaspora in the development of the continent.”

The Nigerian leader thanked Jamaica and its people for the opportunity to visit the country, saying Nigeria was committed to supporting Jamaica in any area of interest.