WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Tuesday with Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Amery Browne, officials said.
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Browne emphasized the importance of the strong U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago bilateral ties, including the significant role the Trinbagonian diaspora plays in promoting cultural and economic ties, U.S. Department of State spokesman Edward “Ned” Price said.
The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the importance both countries place on support for democracy within the Western Hemisphere, according to Price.
“We are working together in so many ways every day in our own hemisphere, working to continue to strengthen democracy, to forge ahead on building even greater economic prosperity, working on challenges of regional security,” Secretary Blinken said. “Of course, we have deep connections between our people. There are more than 10,000 Americans visiting Trinidad and Tobago every year for tourism, for business, and we want to see that increase. We have a very vibrant diaspora here in the United States which we very much welcome.”
The Secretary also expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s votes supporting Ukraine and the UN Charter at the United Nations.
“It’s great to be here and I’m looking forward to our discussions and to working with you to further cement a well-established and productive, fruitful relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America,” T&T Foreign Minister Browne said. “You’re right; we’ve been working closely on a number of critical issues. Some of the priorities for the Caribbean community are shared with the United States of America – energy security, food security, improving our access to financing for development, and recognizing that the United States and Trinidad and Tobago go back hundreds of years.”
He noted democracies need to stand together to counter those who seek to suppress freedom and abuse human rights.