Washington, September 8, 2026: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is beginning a three-country tour of South America as Washington seeks to deepen relations with governments that have moved toward the political right and strengthen cooperation on security, trade and organised crime.

Rubio is scheduled to visit Colombia, Ecuador and Peru from September 8 to 10, according to the US State Department. The trip represents his first official visits to Colombia and Peru as secretary of state.

Three Governments in Washington’s Focus

Rubio’s journey comes after significant political changes in the three countries.

Colombia recently elected Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing politician who took office on August 7. Peru’s Keiko Fujimori was inaugurated as president on July 28 after winning the country’s presidential election. Ecuador is led by President Daniel Noboa, who has pursued a security-focused agenda and closer cooperation with Washington.

The developments have created a political environment more closely aligned with the Trump administration’s approach to regional security and combating organised crime.

Drug Trafficking High on the Agenda

One of the main priorities of Rubio’s trip is expected to be the fight against drug trafficking.

Washington has increasingly emphasised a tougher approach toward criminal organisations operating across Latin America. The Trump administration has also sought greater cooperation from regional governments on border security, counter-narcotics operations and the disruption of trafficking networks.

Rubio’s discussions with the three presidents are expected to examine ways to strengthen intelligence sharing, security cooperation and joint efforts against organised crime.

Colombia Visit Comes After Major Earthquake

Colombia will be particularly important during the tour because the country is dealing with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

Rubio is expected to discuss US assistance following the disaster, which caused widespread destruction and approximately 300 deaths, according to Reuters.

The visit could also provide an opportunity for Washington and Bogotá to redefine their security relationship under the country’s new administration.

Ecuador Seen as an Important Security Partner

Ecuador has become an increasingly important partner for the United States as it confronts powerful criminal networks and rising violence.

President Noboa has pursued an aggressive security strategy and has sought international assistance in dealing with organised crime.

For Washington, closer cooperation with Ecuador could support broader efforts to disrupt drug trafficking routes across the region.

Peru Adds Another Key Partner

Rubio’s visit to Peru comes shortly after Keiko Fujimori took office.

Her administration is expected to place strong emphasis on crime, economic policy and relations with the United States. Rubio’s discussions with Fujimori could therefore establish the framework for expanded bilateral cooperation during her presidency.

Peru’s strategic position and role in regional trade also make it an important partner for Washington.

A Wider Shift in US Latin America Policy

The tour reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to increase US influence in Latin America.

Washington has signalled that security and organised crime will play a much larger role in its regional policy, including a willingness to use stronger military and law-enforcement measures against drug-trafficking organisations.

The political shift toward more conservative governments in several countries could make it easier for Washington to build partnerships around these priorities. Al Jazeera described Rubio’s tour as part of a broader rightward movement in regional politics.

Trade and Regional Cooperation Also on Agenda

Security is not the only issue expected to feature during the tour.

US officials are also expected to discuss trade and economic relations with the three governments. Washington has an interest in strengthening supply chains and commercial relationships across the Western Hemisphere while encouraging regional partners to work more closely with the United States.

The combination of trade, security and political alignment could make the three-country tour an important test of Washington’s renewed approach to Latin America.

A New Phase for US-Latin American Relations?

Rubio’s journey comes at a time when political alliances across South America are changing.

The emergence of right-wing and conservative governments gives Washington an opportunity to strengthen relationships with leaders who share its positions on security and organised crime.

But deeper US involvement could also generate controversy, particularly if Washington adopts a more militarised approach to combating criminal groups.

For now, Rubio’s three-day tour is expected to focus on practical cooperation. The meetings in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru will provide an early indication of how far the United States can translate political alignment into closer security, economic and diplomatic partnerships across the region.