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The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, will embark on his first official tour since taking office on January 21, with visits that will include Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama.
According to the Spanish publication El País, the selection of these destinations reflects the intention of the administration led by the magnate Donald Trump to prioritize the region in its foreign policy agenda.
According to the spokesperson for the State Department, Tammy Bruce, "there is a reason this is the first trip. It is a demonstration of how seriously he takes it, what it will mean regarding his programs, and how it relates to his commitment to this nation, to address the issues that matter to him, and undoubtedly, the topics on Trump's agenda".
Meeting with journalists, the spokesperson added that "it's about ensuring that if we want to be safe, prosperous, and in good shape, we must have an interest in our neighbors, and in today's world, it is certainly South America and Central America," reports the agency Reuters.
The stop in Panama takes on special significance due to recent statements made by President Donald Trump regarding the canal located in that Central American nation.
Trump has expressed his interest in the United States regaining control of this strategic waterway, arguing that Panama has allowed increasing Chinese influence in its operations, accusations that the Panamanian government has firmly denied.
During his confirmation as Secretary of State, Rubio pointed out that the influence of China in the Panama Canal is a legitimate issue that merits attention, aligning with the concerns expressed by President Trump.
In addition to the channel's topic, Rubio is expected to address the immigration issue during his visit to the region. In a recent memorandum, the Secretary of State emphasized collaboration with countries in the Americas to curb irregular immigration and facilitate the repatriation of illegal immigrants as part of the new policy of the Department of State.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marco Rubio's First International Tour as Secretary of State
Which countries will Marco Rubio visit on his first tour as Secretary of State?
Marco Rubio will visit Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama on his first official tour as Secretary of State of the United States.
What is the main objective of Marco Rubio's tour of Central America and the Caribbean?
The main objective of the tour is to prioritize the region on the United States foreign policy agenda, addressing issues such as regional security, immigration, and China's influence in the Panama Canal.
Why is Marco Rubio's stop in Panama important during his tour?
The stop in Panama is particularly significant due to concerns expressed by President Donald Trump regarding the Chinese influence in the Panama Canal, a topic that has also been highlighted by Marco Rubio as an issue that warrants attention.
How does Marco Rubio plan to address immigration during his visit?
Marco Rubio is expected to emphasize collaboration with countries in the Americas to curb irregular immigration and facilitate the repatriation of illegal immigrants, as part of the new policy from the Department of State.
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