Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Ronald Robinson departed the island yesterday morning for Ottawa, Canada, to participate in a number of activities to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Canada.

Dr. Robinson will attend a commemorative reception on Wednesday, hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Peter Milliken, Jamaica's High Commissioner to Canada, Evadne Coye, and the Canadian Caribbean Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Beneficial relationship

According to a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Jamaica and Canada enjoy a beneficial relationship.

"Canada is also a major trading partner and source of development cooperation," the statement read. "Against this background, the Minister of State will engage in bilateral discussions in meetings with a number of senior Canadian officials, including the Secretary of State of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Helena Guergis, the Deputy Minister in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr. Len Edwards, the Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador McCallion; and Mr. Milliken."

Dr. Robinson is also scheduled to address members of the Jamaican community and field questions from them.

He is expected to return to the island on the weekend.