PORT OF SPAIN (Reuters) – A top U.S. military official on Tuesday met with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to reaffirm partnership and discuss priorities for regional security and stability, the Pentagon said.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine told Persad-Bissessar that the United States remained committed to working with Trinidad and Tobago to “address shared threats and deepen collaboration across the Caribbean,” the Pentagon said.
The meeting of Persad-Bissessar and members of her cabinet took place at the Diplomatic Center in Port of Spain.
The approximately two-hour closed-door discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, regional security, and countering transnational threats.
The meeting was requested by the United States and followed recent joint military exercises between U.S. forces and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
Key Points from General CaineAccording to official readouts from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Embassy, General Caine emphasized the following during the discussions:
- Strong U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago Partnership: He reaffirmed the “strong and enduring” bilateral relationship, highlighting its role in safeguarding regional security through close cooperation.
- Regional Security and Stability: Caine stressed shared priorities for enhancing stability in the Caribbean, including coordinated security initiatives and information sharing to address regional challenges.
- Countering Illicit Trafficking and Transnational Crime: He exchanged views on the destabilizing effects of illicit narcotics, arms, and human trafficking, as well as activities by transnational criminal organizations. Caine underscored the vital importance of regional unity in combating these issues, noting that U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago collaboration directly contributes to broader security efforts.
- Acknowledgment of Trinidad and Tobago’s Role: Caine recognized the country’s ongoing contributions to regional discussions on security and law enforcement, welcoming its participation in supporting regional bodies and agencies.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar described the talks as “excellent,” echoing the commitment to continued cooperation. N
o public transcripts or verbatim quotes beyond these summaries were released, as the meeting was private.
The visit occurred amid heightened U.S. military engagement in the Caribbean, including recent exercises and operations near Venezuela, though specific ties to those were not detailed in the readouts.
By REUTERS
Reporting by Ismail Shakil; Editing by Leslie Adler
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