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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The governments of the United States and Jamaica have signed a Status of Forces Agreement. Officials said this will strengthen defense cooperation, regional security and disaster response between the two countries.
The agreement follows discussions between U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Jamaican Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang. These occurred during a bilateral meeting Aug. 12 on the sidelines of the Americas Counter Cartels Coalition Forum in Panama.
Status of Forces Agreements establish the terms under which members of one country’s armed forces may be temporarily present in another country for mutually agreed activities, including training exercises and joint operations. Jamaica joins more than 120 partner nations with similar agreements with the United States.
Jamaica and the United States have worked together for decades on shared security priorities. Since the establishment of the Jamaica Defence Force, members of the U.S. armed forces and the JDF have taken part in joint training exercises and professional exchanges. They have also joined in humanitarian and disaster response activities and other security cooperation efforts.
Officials said the SOFA sends a clear message to criminal organizations in the region that the United States and Jamaica are committed to deepening cooperation, including efforts to counter groups that traffic guns, drugs and people.
The agreement provides a modern, predictable framework for continued cooperation in areas of shared interest. Through it, the United States and Jamaica reaffirm their commitment to a security partnership. This partnership advances regional stability and the mutual interests of both countries.
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