Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC earlier today obtained the support of the United States of America for the development of this country’s hydrocarbon cross border resources.
This support was secured during high-level discussions with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, at the State Department in Washington DC this morning on the invitation of the Government of the United States of America.
The discussions focused on matters of mutual interests affecting both countries relating to:
(a) National Security
(b) Energy Security
(c) Economic Security
During the meeting, Secretary Rubio thanked the Prime Minister and her Government for their strong political and technical leadership and they both reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between both countries, grounded in deep historic ties and shared goals for regional security and prosperity.
With respect to Energy Security, the Prime Minister engaged in intensive discussions with the Secretary who assured that the prosperity of Trinidad and Tobago was in the interest of the United States of America.
Subsequent to the meeting, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago was informed that the Secretary of State supports the approval of the relevant Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licences to begin discussions toward developing its cross-border hydrocarbons.