WASHINGTON

State Secretary Marco Rubio on Wednesday pledged deeper security and economic cooperation with Caribbean nations, saying the US is prioritizing the Western Hemisphere after having been "largely ignored for a very long time.”

Rubio addressed the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, marking the first time in roughly a decade that a US secretary of state has attended the gathering.

"We are interested in rebuilding and constructing a new dynamic in this Western Hemisphere in which we partner with all of you on the issues we share in common," Rubio said.

He identified transnational criminal organizations as "the most urgent security threat" facing the Caribbean and the US.

Rubio acknowledged that some weapons used by these groups originate in the US and pledged continued efforts by US law enforcement to disrupt those supply chains.

Beyond security, Rubio stressed economic collaboration, particularly in the energy sector. He said many Caribbean nations are seeking to responsibly develop their energy resources and that Washington wants to serve as a partner in those efforts.

"Energy is critical for the future; it’s critical for every economy in order to prosper," he said.

He also encouraged expanded American investment in the region, saying the stability and prosperity of Caribbean nations are directly linked to US interests.

Rubio also addressed developments in Venezuela, asserting that the country is “better off today" than it was weeks ago following the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro on Jan 3.

He cited the release of political prisoners and the reopening of the US Embassy as signs of progress, while acknowledging that democratic elections would ultimately be necessary for long-term legitimacy.

"But our initial priority in the aftermath of Maduro’s capture was to ensure that there wasn't instability, that there wasn’t mass migration, that there wasn’t spillover violence, and we believe we have achieved that," Rubio said.

Rubio said that the safer and more prosperous Caribbean nations are, the stronger and more secure the US will be.

"We view our security, our prosperity, our stability to be intricately tied to yours, and we are going to evidence in the actions we’re prepared to take," he added.