Secretary Rubio's Meeting With Trinidad And Tobago Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar

The below is attributable 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.

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.