Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says Jamaica remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the United States (US) and expanding opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.
He was addressing a press conference following bilateral talks with US Secretary of State, Hon. Marco Rubio, during his high-level visit to Jamaica, at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday (March 26).
“This visit, so early in your term, confirms the strength of the historic friendship and strategic partnership between Jamaica and the United States – one built on shared values, democratic ideals and people-to-people ties. Our nations have long been united by a common commitment to freedom, prosperity and security, and your visit today reaffirms this bond,” Dr. Holness said.
The Prime Minister informed that during Wednesday’s meeting, he and Secretary Rubio had productive and constructive discussions focused on strengthening the partnership and expanding opportunities for collaboration.
These focused on critical areas of cooperation; security; developments in Haiti; trade relations; increased US investment in Jamaica’s emerging sectors, including energy and nearshoring; logistics; labour issues and skills development partnership to upskill and reskill Jamaican workers; and travel advisories.
Dr. Holness expressed confidence that the dialogue initiated will yield tangible outcomes that benefit the countries’ citizens and contribute to mutual stability and prosperity.
The Prime Minister said their concern for enhanced regional and hemispheric security and prosperity was recognised as a shared one.
“Jamaica remains committed to fostering a partnership with the United States – one grounded in mutual respect, shared values and a collective ambition for a stronger and more resilient future. We look forward to building upon this foundation, deepening our collaboration and taking our partnership to new and greater heights for the lasting benefit of both our nations,” Dr. Holness added.
He also wished his CARICOM colleagues, who are currently in Kingston, productive meetings with the Secretary of State.
Secretary Rubio, in his remarks, said the countries’ bilateral ties are “incredibly strong”, noting that Jamaican expatriates who call the United States home have made significant contributions to the country.
“We have a shared history that’s tied together by people. I also would say that some substantial percentage of Americans have travelled here at some point in their lives, and that also [binds our] countries together. Nothing binds countries and cultures more closely together than people. We certainly have that in common and we want to continue to make sure we build on that,” he stated.
