Robert Gates. (Image: US Department of Defense)????

United States Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, will be in Barbados for a two-day official visit.

Mr. Gates, who arrives in the island Thursday evening, will meet with Prime Minister, David Thompson, as well as CARICOM leaders and Defence Ministers from six Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to discuss the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.?????? ????????????????????

During his brief stay, the Secretary of Defense will take in a cultural visit to George Washington House, which will be followed by a private meeting with Prime Minister Thompson at Ilaro Court.

Subsequently, Mr. Gates and his team will meet at Hilton Barbados to begin formal talks with Eastern Caribbean leaders and senior national security officials on matters pertaining to the security challenges facing the sub-region and how the United States can work with the Regional Security System to strengthen the region’s capacity to handle these threats.

This will be followed by a press conference from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., which members of the media are invited to attend.

The Defense Secretary will leave the island on Friday evening.

tblackman@barbados.gov.bb

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