Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on regional security and efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, "Secretary Rubio met today with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to discuss the strong U.S.–Trinidad and Tobago partnership, particularly on regional security and counternarcotics cooperation. He commended Trinidad and Tobago’s steps to counter Transnational Criminal Organizations and curb illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking. The leaders also discussed efforts to restore stability in Haiti, including through support for the UN security council resolution authorizing a UN Support Office for Haiti and Gang Suppression Force."
During their meeting, Secretary Rubio recognized the significance of energy security for both economic prosperity in Trinidad and Tobago as well as broader regional stability. He expressed U.S. backing for the government’s Dragon gas proposal while noting measures would be taken so that it does not provide substantial benefits to Venezuela's Maduro regime.
"The Secretary acknowledged the importance of energy security to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic prosperity and regional stability. He outlined U.S. support for the government’s Dragon gas proposal and steps to ensure it will not provide significant benefit to the Maduro regime. The Secretary emphasized that deepening U.S.–Trinidad and Tobago cooperation will be critical to disrupting narcotrafficking networks, strengthening regional security, and safeguarding our region," Pigott said.
The discussion also addressed ongoing international initiatives in Haiti, highlighting joint support for a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at establishing a UN Support Office for Haiti along with a Gang Suppression Force.
The meeting underscores continued collaboration between both countries on issues related to crime prevention, human trafficking, bilateral relations, energy policy, as well as shared interests in Caribbean stability.
