The decision was made during a courtesy call, today, with Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and Ambassador of Ethiopia to Jamaica, His Excellency Girma Birru.

Minister Grange noted that the Ambassador’s visit to Jamaica was timely as it marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Ethiopia. This significant milestone, she said, will also be marked by formalizing a sport cooperation agreement between the two countries.

“The Ethiopian Ambassador has given the commitment of his government to provide technical support to our long distance athletes as Ethiopians are one of the dominant forces on the world stage. In return, Jamaica will make efforts to supply Ethiopia with physical education teachers and coaches, particularly in, but not limited to, the areas of track and field,” Minister Grange explained.

According to Minister Grange Jamaica and Ethiopia have created and fostered conducive environments for naturally talented individuals to mature into world class athletes and as such, any partnership will only yield greater success.

Both Minister Grange and Ambassador Birru acknowledged the important role Rastafari has played in strengthening cultural relations between both countries over the years. To this end, Minister Grange will be inviting her counterpart in Ethiopia to visit Jamaica to further reinforce the cultural bond between the two nations.

The Minister explained that much of the discussions that took place during the courtesy call will be concluded as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Ethiopia.

She also used the opportunity to congratulate Ethiopia on dominating both the male and female segments at the recently staged Boston Marathon in the United States.

Minister Grange and Ambassador Birru were joined by Florette Blackwood, Senior Director in the Ministry, Honorary Consul, Yodit Hylton and Councillor Nihine Ademe of the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Jamaica.

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