Kamina Johnson Smith outlines her bilateral meetings with political leaders in MC12

Firstly, on June 15, 2022, Kamina Smith had a bilateral meeting with Richard Yakam, Director of the National Trade Office of Papua New Guinea. 

Kamina Johnson Smith outlines her bilateral meetings with political leaders in MC12
Kamina Johnson Smith outlines her bilateral meetings with political leaders in MC12

Jamaica: Kamina Johnson Smith- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, who is attending the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC 12) in Geneva, has conducted meetings with different political leaders and held bilateral meetings with them. 

Firstly, on June 15, 2022, Kamina Smith had a bilateral meeting with Richard Yakam, Director of the National Trade Office of Papua New Guinea. 

During their exchange, issues of importance for small island developing states like Jamaica and Papua New Guinea, such as climate change and ocean governance, were discussed. 

She also took the opportunity to express my commitment to ensuring that issues affecting SIDS will be given high priority should she be appointed to serve as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

On June 14, Kamina Johnson Smith met with her Samoan colleague,Leatinu’u F.W. Soocialo Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo. During the meeting, they exchanged views on critical matters affecting small states.

She asserted,” I recalled that only recently, in April, both countries established diplomatic relations but noted that #Jamaica and #Samoa have had longstanding cooperation within the context of #AOSIS and the #OACPS.” 

 Johnson Smith deeply appreciated the support of Samoa in her coordination of the Group in the current negotiations within the WTO, and previously in securing a mandate for negotiations on a post-Cotonou Agreement with the EU in 2018. They took the time to discuss opinions on the #Commonwealth as well as her vision and passion for its improved delivery for members. 

On the same day, Kamina Smith had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Faiyaz Koya, Minister of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport of Fiji, in the margins of the 12th Ministerial Conference MC12 of the WTO. 

She exchanged views on the status of the ongoing WTO negotiations, as well as Jamaica’s cooperation with Fiji within the OACPS. 

Kamina Smith said, “Noting that small states have a unique lived experience, I used the opportunity to share my perspectives on issues of importance to small states within the Commonwealth. I also welcomed the Minister’s pride in his team’s competence and strong gender balance.”Â