By Georgetta Williams

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, says tomorrow’s visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is another opportunity to strengthen collaboration and address the pressing issues that affect both countries and the region.

Mr. Rubio will visit Jamaica for a bilateral meeting.

Talks will be held with Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and other government officials.

Ms. Johnson Smith says the two countries have had a longstanding partnership since independence, and robust cooperation has been practiced at all levels and across critical sectors, including health, agriculture, security, trade, and investment.

Senator Johnson Smith states that she believes significant strides have been made in Jamaica/U.S. relations and that together, the countries will continue to forge a path towards increased collaboration.

The Foreign Minister adds that Jamaica is keen to strengthen its investment attraction and security cooperation, among other areas.

While in Jamaica, the Secretary of State is expected to have bilateral engagements with three other leaders from across the region.

Mr. Rubio will be in the Caribbean on March 26 and 27 and will also visit Guyana and Suriname.

Secretary of State Rubio is the fourth U.S. Secretary to visit Jamaica in the past seven years, following those by Rex Tillerson in February 2018, Mike Pompeo in January 2020 and Antony Blinken in May 2024 during his participation in Haiti-related “Kingston Talks.”