Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have expressed optimism following discussions with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who addressed the bloc during its 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.

Rubio delivered a brief 10-minute statement to regional leaders on Wednesday before engaging in further closed-door discussions, both collectively and in bilateral sessions, prior to departing the summit.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the engagement as “very encouraging,” noting that the tone of the Secretary of State’s remarks signalled a willingness to strengthen ties between Washington and the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean has the largest diaspora in the United States and we are also linked by our common humanity,” Browne told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). “I sense that the statement he made, though brief, signalled a level of commitment to enhance the relationship between the United States and CARICOM — and that itself is encouraging.”

Browne said more detailed discussions are expected to follow, during which both sides will address specific areas of cooperation. He indicated that the substantive deliberations with Rubio were anticipated to last more than an hour.

Ahead of the meeting, Browne had voiced hope for what he described as a “reset” in relations between the United States and the Caribbean region.

“I will say closer relations between the Caribbean and the United States. So we hope that this will be a reset — one in which there will be strong relations, one in which the United States will understand the vulnerabilities of Caribbean countries, the needs of Caribbean countries, and one in which they will work with us to adjust those vulnerabilities while at the same time strengthening our common security interests and ensuring that this hemisphere remains a zone of peace,” Browne said.

The CARICOM summit, hosted this week in Basseterre, brought together regional heads at a time of evolving geopolitical and economic pressures. Leaders have been seeking greater collaboration with international partners on issues including climate resilience, security, migration, and sustainable development.

Browne emphasised that cooperation with the United States remains vital to the region’s growth and stability.

“I know some people don’t like to hear it, but that is what keeps us united, and that is what helps to fuel growth and development within the Caribbean region,” he added.

Further details on the outcomes of the talks are expected as CARICOM leaders continue deliberations at the milestone 50th summit.