Diplomatic Week kicks off at UWI Chapel

Jamaica is set to host the annual Diplomatic Week, which will see high commissioners and ambassadors accredited to Jamaica partaking in a set of weeklong activities, beginning today with a church service at the University of the West Indies Chapel, Mona

The week, which is in its 12th year, is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. It provides a framework for updating diplomats on government policies and programmes, as well as an opportunity for dialogue and feedback on areas of mutual interest.

Some 23 overseas-based diplomats are expected to participate, along with 33 of their locally posted colleagues.

"We at the ministry are pleased for the opportunity to interface with senior representatives of foreign countries assigned to Jamaica as we continue to work closely to build partnerships and bridges of understanding for the betterment of our countries," Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Dr Ken Baugh said.

New diplomats

Tomorrow, six new diplomats to be assigned to Jamaica will present their credentials to the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, and copy letters of credence to Dr Baugh.

These diplomats are: the Ambassador- designate of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Rachid Bladehane; Ambassador-designate of the Slovak Republic, Zdenek Rozhold; Ambassador-designate of Burkina Faso, Daniel Ouedraogo; Ambassador-designate, Kingdom of Thailand, Adisak Panupong; High Commissioner-designate, Republic of Zambia, Dr Nevers Mumba; and the Ambassador-designate, Republic of Croatia, Ranko Vilovic.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding will address the diplomats on Tuesday morning.

A highlight of the week will be the diplomatic dinner on Thursday evening, hosted by Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen at King's House.