Above: Jamaica PM Portia Simpson Miller

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s official visit to Japan last week yielded a cooperation agreement between the two countries on areas including energy and mineral resources development.

Simpson Miller and Japanese Prime Ministe Shinzo Abe signed the agreement, which also “recognized the importance of promoting dialogue for improving business environments and expanding investment opportunities in a diverse range of sectors,” according to a government statement.

“Jamaica is an important partner with which we have enjoyed an amicable and cooperative relationship over the years, as we both are maritime states sharing the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” Abe said.

The Japanese leader said his country was also looking to promote increased cooperation with CARICOM and developing relationships in politics, economy, tourism, human exchange and sports.

Simpson Miller, who was making her first visit to the country, invited Japanese investors to come to Jamaica; she met with Japanese companies including the Ueshima Coffee Company and the Japanese Association of Travel Agents on the trip.