US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis on February 25 to participate in the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The confirmation came from US Secretary of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis on February 25 to participate in the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM,” Pigott said in a statement.

“Secretary Rubio will engage with Caribbean leaders to advance shared priorities, including strengthening regional security, deepening cooperation to combat illegal immigration and illicit trafficking, and promoting economic growth, health, and energy security across the Caribbean. During his visit, the Secretary will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with CARICOM member states to enhance stability and prosperity in our hemisphere.”

Regional leaders are expected to discuss several major issues with the US delegation, including the acceptance of third country nationals, air strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, developments in Venezuela and the political crisis in Haiti.

St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and St Lucia have entered into talks with the United States on accepting third country nationals. Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda are also in discussions with the U.S. government.

Trinidad and Tobago’s government has said it was not approached about accepting third country nationals.

Regional leaders are expected to reach consensus on the issue of third country nationals.

Rubio is not the only foreign dignitary expected at the CARICOM meeting.

Adel al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates; and Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), are also expected to meet with regional leaders.

The CARICOM Heads of Government meeting runs from February 24 to 27 under the theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.”

The golden jubilee meeting marks more than five decades of regional integration and collective progress.