Rubio Vows Stronger Security, Economic Ties with Caribbean Nations

(MENAFN) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday pledged to strengthen security and economic cooperation with Caribbean nations, emphasizing that the United States is refocusing attention on the Western Hemisphere after what he described as being “largely ignored for a very long time.”

Rubio spoke at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort. His appearance marked the first attendance by a US secretary of state at the event in nearly a decade.

“We are interested in rebuilding and constructing a new dynamic in this Western Hemisphere in which we partner with all of you on the issues we share in common,” Rubio said.

He identified transnational criminal organizations as “the most urgent security threat” facing both the Caribbean and the United States, acknowledging that some of the weapons used by these groups originate in the US. Rubio pledged continued efforts by American law enforcement to disrupt these supply chains.

Beyond security, Rubio emphasized economic collaboration, particularly in the energy sector.

He highlighted that many Caribbean countries are seeking to responsibly develop their energy resources, and he positioned the US as a partner in those initiatives. “Energy is critical for the future; it’s critical for every economy in order to prosper,” he said.

Rubio also encouraged increased US investment in the region, arguing that the stability and prosperity of Caribbean nations are directly tied to American interests.

Addressing the situation in Venezuela, he claimed the country is “better off today" than in previous weeks following the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3.

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