A High level delegation from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the first Oversees Commonwealth Territory of the USA, is due in the country next week to begin negotiating closer relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by way of establishing new lines of communication with its executive arm, the Secretariat.

Puerto Rico's Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Relations, Mr. Miguel Soto, accompanied by Special Assistant Ms. Michele Colon will begin two days of talks with CARICOM Secretariat officials on 26 November 2001 at the Georgetown-based headquarters. The discussions will centre on the strengthening of foreign relations with the Community. The Spanish-speaking Caribbean island is also seeking to familarise itself with the operations and functioning of the Community's institutions and organs.

Mr. Soto and Ms Colon are expected to pay a courtesy call on CARICOM Secretary-General Edwin Carrington and is also likely to meet with Guyana's Minister of Foreign Affairs , Dr Samuel Insanally.