Prime Minister Stuart Young spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday morning regarding T&T’s energy sector.

This follows a recent decision by the US to revoke the OFAC licenses that allowed T&T to explore and access the Dragon and Cocuina-Manakin fields.

According to a statement issued by the US Secretary of State, Mr Rubio recognized that energy security is important to T&T’s prosperity and economy, adding “Any outcomes of sanctions upon the Maduro regime and Venezuela is in no way indicative of our relationship with Trinidad and Tobago and the value we place on it.”

Both sides have reportedly agreed to work “very closely to find a solution that achieves U.S. objectives regarding Venezuela without harming Trinidad and Tobago.”

Mr Rubio said he also welcomed Prime Minister Young’s exploration of viable options that support the country’s energy needs while remaining consistent with U.S. sanctions policy.