The United States is looking to strengthen its relationship with the Caribbean. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Washington wants closer ties with countries across the region.

Landau made the comments Monday during the reopening of the Ibis Steel Company in Trinidad and Tobago. He said the United States and Caribbean countries share strong geographic and historical ties.

He also pointed to major opportunities for cooperation. According to Landau, the reopening of the steel facility represents the potential for stronger economic ties between the United States and the Caribbean.

The Ibis Steel Company operates at the site of the former ArcelorMittal steel mill. The previous facility closed in March 2016.

Meanwhile, Washington is also focused on security concerns in the region. These include drug trafficking, transnational crime and China’s growing economic presence.

Landau said the Trump administration, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is placing greater attention on the Caribbean. He described the region as having significant economic opportunities.

Trinidad and Tobago has moved closer to Washington since Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s government took office in 2025. Her administration has supported U.S. efforts to combat illegal drugs and strengthen regional security.

In March, Persad-Bissessar joined President Donald Trump at the “Shield of the Americas” summit. The meeting focused on tackling transnational crime and drug trafficking.

More recently, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch thanked Trinidad and Tobago for what he called an “active role” in the arrest and extradition of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

However, Persad-Bissessar has said Trinidad and Tobago’s military did not take part in the operation in Caracas.

Landau is expected to meet with Persad-Bissessar before traveling to Guyana. There, he is expected to hold talks with President Irfaan Ali.

At the same time, China remains an important factor in U.S. policy toward the Caribbean. Chinese companies have invested in ports, telecommunications, construction and other major infrastructure projects across the region.

Landau said American businesses can help strengthen economic ties. He described private-sector investment as an important part of the U.S. approach.

Overall, his comments signal a renewed push by Washington to build closer economic and security partnerships across the Caribbean.