Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently held a meeting with Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados to discuss the longstanding relationship between the United States and Barbados. According to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio emphasized the Trump Administration's dedication to aiding Barbados and other CARICOM Member States in tackling transnational threats. This includes designating the Venezuelan criminal network, Tren de Aragua, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under their domestic authorities.
During their discussion, Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Mottley focused on regional security initiatives. These include the United States' collaboration with Barbados through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The efforts are aimed at combating illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking, prosecuting transnational organized crime, and enhancing regional security cooperation. Energy cooperation was also on the agenda, with Prime Minister Mottley presenting an economic argument for regional energy strategies.
Regarding Haiti, Secretary Rubio praised Prime Minister Mottley's leadership in efforts to stabilize the country and expressed his interest in collaborating closely with her on this issue.
