The Honorable Secretary of State for Jamaica, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dr. Kaye Teoscar, along with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, held a press conference at the offices of the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Kingston, Jamaica.
Bilateral Relations and Engagement
Secretary Pompeo expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Jamaica, highlighting the importance of cooperation on regional security issues, trade, and economic development.
“We value our relationship with Jamaica and are committed to deepening it,” Secretary Pompeo stated. “We look forward to working together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in our region.”
The two leaders discussed various bilateral initiatives, including a U.S.-Jamaica Partnership for Global Security and Prosperity Framework. This framework aims to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and other security-related issues.
Immigration
A major topic of discussion was immigration policy. Secretary Pompeo emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws in the United States, stating that “every country in the world has immigration laws.” He clarified that green card holders are legally in the United States unless they engage in activities deemed detrimental to national security or public safety.
Press Conference
During the press conference, reporters asked questions on a range of topics, including trade, economic development, and regional security issues. Secretary Pompeo addressed these concerns, providing insight into U.S. policies and initiatives aimed at supporting Jamaica’s growth and stability.
The event concluded with Minister Holness expressing gratitude for the visit and reaffirming Jamaica’s commitment to its relationship with the United States.
Key Takeaways
The United States and Jamaica aim to strengthen their bilateral relationship through cooperation on regional security issues, trade, and economic development.
Enforcement of immigration laws in the United States is a priority, with Secretary Pompeo emphasizing that green card holders are legally in the country unless they engage in activities deemed detrimental to national security or public safety.