Rubio will prioritize dialogue on migration crisis and Chinese influence on his first tour of Latin America

Marco Rubio will begin his first official trip as the US Secretary of State in Latin America to address Chinese influence, migratory and security crisis in the region.

The special envoy of the United States Government for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, highlighted the historical importance of the first tour of the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who will visit Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic in his first official trip after assuming the position.

“This is a historical trip. It is the first trip of the first Spanish Secretary of the United States to Latin America,” said Claver-Carone. “And it is very significant, since not only marks a new era for US diplomacy, but also reflects the commitment of President (Donald) Trump with the region,” he added to the media, including the Voice of America.

The official stressed that this visit, which will begin this Saturday and will lengthen until next February 6, is part of the strategy of the government of President Trump to strengthen cooperation with Latin America in terms of security, commerce and migration.

“We are entering a golden era for the United States, similar to the times of industrialization and the construction of the Panama Canal at the beginning of the 20th century. The 21st century, despite the expectations of some experts who said it would be the ' Chinese century ', is a crucial moment for the return of American influence, especially in the Americas, ”said Claver-Carone during his speech.

Later the State Department made clear Washington's strategy for the region and the central point of Rubio's visit to Central America and the Caribbean.

“American leadership has returned to our hemisphere and we are ready to work with our regional partners. @Secrubio embarks on his first trip as Secretary of State. You will visit Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, where it will focus on mutual priorities that make Americans be stronger, safer and more prosperous, ”said state in a message on social networks.

Concern for Chinese influence in Panama

The trip of Secretary Rubio will begin in Panama, where one of the main issues on the agenda will be the growing Chinese presence in the Panama Canal, which has generated concern in Washington.

“The Panama Canal, which was previously a symbol of American cooperation and leadership, has seen a significant expansion of the Chinese presence, which represents a risk for hemispheric security. This visit will allow an open debate on how to address this challenge and Ensure that the channel remains a strategic point under control of America, ”said Claver-Carone.

Karoline Leavitt, press secretary of the White House, reiterated on Friday that President Trump has concerns about “Chinese influence” on the channel.

“It is unfair to the American people, many of whom lost their lives for many years building this channel. US taxpayers are paying millions of dollars through the channel, and the president believes that it is of our national interest that the Rubio Secretary goes there And these conversations begin, and it is exactly because of that, “Leavitt added.

Likewise, in the Central American country, cooperation strategies will also be discussed in the field of migration, especially in the Darien region, where Panama has worked with the United States in the repatriation of migrants trying to reach the north of the continent.

Meeting with Bukele in El Salvador

After passing through Panama, Rubio will travel to El Salvador, where he will meet with President Nayib Bukele, whom Claver-Carone described as “the most consistent president in the region at the moment.”

“Let's think that San Salvador 10 years ago was the world of murders of the world and today it is the safest city in the world. These security issues, which are of such great importance, have made President Bukele a regional leader. All Leaders ask for advice on how to handle security in their countries, “he said.

In addition, ways to strengthen cooperation in the fight against gangs such as MS-13 and Aragua train, whose members have been deported to their countries of origin will be explored.

Strategic relations with Costa Rica and Guatemala

In Costa Rica, Rubio will meet with President Rodrigo Chaves to address security and migration issues, in addition to the growing Chinese influence in the country, which signed a free trade agreement with Beijing more than a decade ago.

“Costa Rica, like Panama, is a great ally in the control of migratory flow. We are working on a repatriation program of people who cross the region to go to the United States. We will also address the Chinese threat in the region and how to counteract it “He said.

In Guatemala, the Secretary of State will talk with President Bernardo Arévalo on immigration cooperation and the importance of Taiwan's recognition, since it is one of the few countries in Latin America that maintains diplomatic relations with the island.

“Guatemala has demonstrated exceptional cooperation on migratory issues and remains a key ally in the region. In addition, its position of recognition to Taiwan is essential in the strategy to counteract Chinese influence on the continent,” he said.

Crisis in Haiti and Cooperation with the Dominican Republic

The trip will culminate in the Dominican Republic, where Rubio will meet with President Luis Abinader. One of the main themes will be the crisis in Haiti and its impact on the region.

“There is no country that suffers more the consequences of power vacuum in Haiti than the Dominican Republic. Its government sports almost 250,000 Haitians a year and faces great border security challenges,” he lamented.

The strengthening of cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking will also be discussed, since the Caribbean island has historically been a transit point for drug trafficking to the United States.

“It is prioritizing Latin America”

According to Claver-Carone, the selection of the countries visited by Rubio is no accident, since they represent leaders with policies aligned with the priorities of the Trump administration.

“If we see the map of this trip, it is clear that we are reinforcing alliances with the most successful presidents and with greater support in the region. Bukele in El Salvador, Chaves in Costa Rica, Abinader in the Dominican Republic … They are leaders with great popular approval They have demonstrated results.

The trip of the Rubio Secretary, according to the American official, is an unequivocal sign that the Trump administration “is prioritizing Latin America as a key region for its foreign policy” and that seeks to establish a “narrower cooperation” in the coming years .