KINGSTON, Jamaica — Commander of the United States (US) Southern Command (SouthCom) Admiral Alvin Holsey is set to visit Jamaica this week as part of a two-day visit where he will conduct key leader engagements in Kingston with defence leadership.

The US Embassy in Kingston made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.

“This marks Admiral Holsey’s first visit to Jamaica since assuming command of SouthCom last November and is an opportunity to further strengthen our security cooperation with a top ally in the Caribbean. The admiral’s visit comes on the heels of Secretary Marco Rubio’s productive visit in March, and his agenda for this visit includes meetings with Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman and other key leaders of the Jamaica Defence Force,” the embassy said.

It said discussions will revolve around reaffirming the longstanding military collaboration between Jamaica and the US and addressing shared challenges that affect this region, including transnational organised crime and illicit trafficking.

“The Jamaica Defence Force is a regional leader in areas of professional military and security education, and the US Southern Command is committed to continuing their longstanding cooperation with a key leader in the region. The two nations enjoy a historic friendship and strategic partnership and maintain strong and productive relations, based on trust and mutual interest. This close friendship is built on a foundation of deep people-to-people ties and a vibrant Jamaican-American community,” the embassy said.