Secretary of State Marco Rubio Sets Out on Geopolitical Agenda in First Overseas Trip
Secretary of State Marco Rubio leaves for his first overseas trip on Saturday, beginning a six-day visit to several Latin American countries. Rubio’s first stop will be Panama, where he aims to re-establish a “Golden Age” for America, a phrase coined by President Donald Trump.
Rubio’s trip comes as the Biden administration seeks to reassert America’s influence in the region. According to Mauricio Claver-Carone, Special Envoy for Latin America, the trip signifies an era of American greatness and will mark the first time a Secretary of State has traveled to Latin America as their first official visit abroad in over 100 years.
During his visit to Panama, Rubio will meet with President José Raúl Mulino to discuss topics such as migration, combating drug trafficking, and China’s growing presence in the Panama Canal. The Trump administration has expressed concern over China’s influence in the canal, with Claver-Carone claiming that Chinese companies control “everything from force and logistics to telecommunications, infrastructure, and otherwise.” Mulino, however, has denied any influence, stating that the canal belongs to Panama.
Rubio is also scheduled to visit El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, where he will meet with the presidents of each nation. Addressing Chinese influence, gang violence, migration, and drug trafficking will be top priorities for Rubio.
The trip aims to re-establish a strong diplomatic presence in the region and showcase America’s commitment to its friends and allies. Rubio’s efforts will focus on promoting a unified agenda, rooted in the values of freedom, democracy, and prosperity, while countering China’s growing influence in the Western Hemisphere.