United States President Barack Obama shares a light moment with Jamaica’s first female Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks in the Oval Office at the White House after she presented her letters of credentials on Monday. – JIS photo

“The hallmark of our close collaboration has been joint efforts to counter the growing threat posed by narcotics and weapons trafficking to the security of our citizens and our economies,” said Obama. He was speaking at the White House on Monday while accepting the credentials of Jamaica’s new Ambassador to the U.S., Audrey Marks.

The president pointed to the close ties that the U.S. and Jamaica have held for past 48 years and their “mutual commitment to democracy, prosperity and security in the Caribbean region.”

He said both countries “cooperate on many shared priorities – securing our borders, eliminating gangs and violence, curbing drug trafficking and promoting economic growth.”

Ambassador Marks, in presenting her credentials to President Obama, said Jamaica remained committed to deepening “the bonds of friendship and the ties of co-operation that have united our peoples for so many years.” She identified the areas of trade and investment as key components of the partnership between Jamaica and the U.S.

Ambassador Marks told President Obama that the Jamaica government would continue to actively engage the Diaspora to “jointly stimulate greater growth in our economy, such as through the identification of opportunities for joint venture arrangements that will expand the quantity of foreign direct investment that originates from the United States.”

President Obama said he had a good meeting with Prime Minister Bruce Golding last weekend at the G-20 Summit in Canada, and recognizes “the importance of what the Government of Jamaica is doing.” The president offered his full throated support in the island’s efforts to bring about economic stability and reduce crime.

“As the Jamaican Government seeks to uphold the rule of law, the United States supports its efforts to ensure public safety and to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activity,” the president said.

President Obama also highlighted Jamaica’s leadership in the Caribbean saying, “Over the years, we have come to know Jamaica as a leader in the Caribbean… Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Jamaica played an important role – working with its Caribbean neighbors to ensure an efficient regional response.”

Ambassador Marks began her tour of duty on May 17, 2010.

JIS contributed to this story.