BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — THE United States State Department has confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will engage regional leaders during the upcoming 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, scheduled to take place at the Marriott Resort.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed that Rubio is expected to travel to the Federation on February 25 to participate in the high-level meeting.
“Secretary Rubio will engage with Caribbean leaders to advance shared priorities, including strengthening regional security, deepening cooperation to combat illegal immigration and illicit trafficking, and promoting economic growth, health, and energy security across the Caribbean. During his visit, the Secretary will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with CARICOM member states to enhance stability and prosperity in our hemisphere,” the statement said.
Rubio will join a slate of major international guests attending the conference, including His Excellency Adel al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; The Honourable Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat; Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates; and Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The meeting is set to officially open on Tuesday evening with an opening ceremony. Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, noted that the eyes of the world will be on the Federation as leaders and more than 200 delegates descend on the island.
This milestone 50th Heads of Government Meeting is being held under the theme, “Beyond Words.” Discussions are expected to focus on climate finance, food and energy security, regional security, and broader geopolitical developments.
