AS he extended congratulations to Trinidad and Tobago on its 63rd anniversary of Independence yesterday, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two countries were dismantling criminal organisations together.

He said he looked forward to continued collaboration with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on regional security and other issues.

Rubio stated: “On behalf of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate 63 years of Independence. The United States and Trinidad and Tobago maintain a close partnership focused on advancing stability and prosperity in our hemisphere. Together, we are dismantling transnational criminal organisations, disrupting narco-trafficking networks, and building regional energy security to benefit our peoples. These efforts underscore the value of our partnership and its impact throughout our region.”