Jamaica–Mexico relations

History

Jamaica and Mexico are two American nations with a common history. Both nations had been under control of the Spanish Empire and Jamaica was governed from the Viceroyal of New Spain based in Mexico City. In May 1655, Jamaica became under British rule until its independence in August 1962. Diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Mexico were established on 18 March 1966. At the time, Mexico saw Jamaica as a leader of English speaking Caribbean nations.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both nations have worked together in numerous international forums such as the Association of Caribbean States, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Organization of American States (OAS) where in 1970s, both Jamaica and Mexico were the only nations to actively protest against the exclusion of Cuba from the OAS and called for the normalization of relations with the Cuban government. Furthermore, both nations have signed at least eight agreements at bolstering cooperation. These agreements include the elimination of visas for ordinary passport holders; trade; tourism; cultural; cooperation to combat narco-trafficking; technical and scientific cooperation; elimination of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders; and an agreement on air transportation. In March 2016, both nations celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations.

State visits

Prime Ministerial visits from Jamaica to Mexico

Presidential visits from Mexico to Jamaica

Trade

In 2015, total trade between Jamaica and Mexico amounted to $130 million USD. In 2015, Mexican companies invested over $200 million USD in Jamaica, mostly in the tourism and airports industry. In 2016, the Mexican government provided Jamaica with a $1.8 million USD grant for a Riverton Road rehabilitation project.

Resident diplomatic missions