India declares support to Senator Kamina Johnson Smith’s candidature for CSG

The Indian embassy has issued a press release and the country's External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, said his government is assured that her "excellent credentials and impeccable track record can offer the right leadership to the Commonwealth at this important juncture.

India declares support to Senator Kamina Johnson Smith's candidature for CSG
India declares support to Senator Kamina Johnson Smith's candidature for CSG

Jamaica: India has declared support for the Foreign Minister of Jamaica Kamina Jonhson Smith’s candidature for the post of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and the government of Jamaica extended gratitude for their public endorsement.

The Indian embassy has issued a press release and the country’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, said his government is assured that her “excellent credentials and impeccable track record can offer the right leadership to the Commonwealth at this important juncture.

The Indian External Affairs Minister further expressed the desire for collaboration to “ensure that the commonwealth’s relevance and priorities are effectively met”. These are the principal objectives of Minister Johnson Smith’s vision for the Commonwealth.

India’s endorsement follows the historical State Visit of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, the first to Jamaica by an Indian Head of State.

In welcoming the endorsement, Minister Johnson Smith stated that she shares the intent expressed by Minister Jaishankar to strengthen the excellent coordination between the two countries on a wide range of issues of mutual interest to “engaging in robust multilateral co-operation, including within the family of connected and committed Commonwealth nations.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness welcomes the endorsement by the Republic of India of Minister Kamaina Johnson for CSG.

India’s endorsement complements those of the government of the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore and the Maldives, who recently registered their support for Minister Johnson Smith.

He said, “I am pleased with the expression of public support by the government of India for Minister Smith for the post of CSG; the endorsement is indicative of the confidence Minister Smith enjoys and will certainly add to the growing momentum of her campaign; which has been exemplary.”

In the meantime, Minister Johnson Smith has reacted to the endorsement of India with expressions of gratitude and restated her commitment to working towards the achievement of the shared goals of the Commonwealth.