Prime Minister Stuart Young of Trinidad and Tobago and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have agreed to deepen collaboration on energy and security issues. They discussed regional threats posed by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, and the US plans to implement tariffs on Venezuela. Young expressed ongoing efforts to activate energy projects, which are essential for both Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean energy security.
Prime Minister Stuart Young of Trinidad and Tobago and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have agreed to strengthen collaboration on energy, national security, and additional mutual interests. This agreement came after a bilateral meeting held in Jamaica on March 26, as noted in a statement from the US State Department. The meeting lasted for one hour, during which both parties discussed their cooperative efforts.
Secretary Rubio expressed gratitude towards Trinidad and Tobago for its commitment to enhance energy security and facilitate the deportation of illegal aliens. Furthermore, they addressed the designation of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration, urging regional partners to take similar actions to mitigate its influence.
US Special Envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, remarked on Trinidad and Tobago’s position as an energy leader in the Caribbean. He recognized the ongoing developmental efforts of Trinidad and Tobago in reviving its natural gas sector while navigating challenges stemming from Venezuela. This commitment emphasizes a shared vision for enhancing energy security throughout the region.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister highlighted the productive discussions on several areas of mutual interest. Young affirmed the importance of the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, promising to increase the depth of this partnership during his tenure.
President Trump recently announced significant tariffs on Venezuela, which will affect any nation purchasing oil and gas from that country. These tariffs, meant to curb financial support to the Maduro regime, are set to commence on April 2. Young reiterated the continued efforts toward energy deals with Venezuela, indicating ongoing negotiations and promising future updates on this matter.
Following a directive from President Biden, Rubio affirmed his commitment to overhaul previous oil and gas licenses granted under Biden’s administration, which had supported the Venezuelan government. Significant concerns have been raised regarding joint projects, such as the TT-Venezuela Dragon gas deal, which had encountered delays due to US sanctions imposed in 2019.
Former Prime Minister Keith Rowley had previously sought to maintain US collaboration on vital energy initiatives, including the Dragon project. Following his resignation on March 16, Young has continued to advocate for deepening relationships and cooperation with the United States, particularly in energy security.
At a recent energy conference, Rowley had underscored the crucial nature of energy projects for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region, laying the groundwork for continued engagement with the Trump administration on such matters.
In summary, the meeting between Prime Minister Stuart Young and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio marks a significant step toward enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s cooperation with the United States, particularly concerning energy security and national defense against Venezuelan influences. Young’s administration remains committed to revitalizing energy projects while addressing the challenges posed by regional threats. Moving forward, Trinidad and Tobago aims to solidify its role in energy leadership amidst geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
