May 22, 2012 - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), will travel to Miami today, to meet with stakeholders to discuss consular affairs and the Americas. She will then travel to Jamaica for an official visit on May 24 and 25.
While in Miami, Minister of State Ablonczy will meet with representatives of the cruise line industry, the Council of the Americas and Canadian heads of mission for the hemisphere.
“Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the world for Canadians, with more than 3 million visiting in 2010 and over 120,000 seasonal residents,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “It is important that we meet with our travel and tourism stakeholders so we can respond effectively when Canadians find themselves in need.”
In Kingston, she will meet with Arnold Nicholson, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Mark Golding, Minister of Justice; Wykeham McNeil, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment; Peter Bunting, Minister of National Security; and Maj.-Gen. Antony Anderson, Chief of Defence Staff.
“This year, Canada is proud to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with Jamaica,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “Our countries have strong trade and investment ties, and with more than 300,000 Canadians of Jamaican origin, we have close people-to-people links as well. This visit will deepen the relationship further, especially in the areas of security and consular cooperation.”
Jamaica is also an important tourist destination for Canadians, with close to 350,000 visiting the country annually.
For more information, please consult Canada-Jamaica Bilateral Relations.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
John Babcock
Senior Communications Adviser
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-1291
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Follow us on Twitter: @DFAIT_MAECI
